Shanghai- and Berlin-based cleantech companies exchange knowhow and solutions at the BEN-Business Forum „Sustainable Companies and Cities“ on April 19th 2018
The Shanghai-Berlin business forum „Sustainable Companies and Cities“ has ben successfully completed on April 19th 2018 at ZhangJiang Hi-Tech Park / Xnode.
Presentations and discussions on stage by startups with city officials, traditional large companies and experts on sustainability from both cities provided great insights in climate change-related business opportunities and business cases, and on how cities need to foster sustainable innovation and remove potential barriers.
Ms. Ramona Pop, Mayor of Berlin & Senator for Economics, Energy & Public Enterprises opened the forum. In her speech she emphasized the strong economic ties with China, which will be further intensified through the opening of the Berlin Business Liaison Desk in Beijing. Furthermore, she highlighted Berlin as one of the most innovative regions in Europe with competences in information and communication technologies, clean technologies, urban mobility and energy technology and the special focus on startup-ups.
Dr. Beatrice Kramm, President of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed the challenges we face towards a future of sustainable and livable cities and the importance of the cooperation between Berlin and China on urban projects, which still has a lot more potential.
The Berlin delegation was warmly welcomed by Shanghai representatives. Jay Wu Zhangjiang Manager of XNode introduced the audience to the work of Zhangjiang Corporate Innovation Incubator, which is jointly run by Zhangjiang Group and XNode.
In the panel discussion moderated by Mr. Christian Graff, Vice President of Berlin-Brandenburg Energy Network e.V., Chinese and Berlin representatives shared their perspectives on what steps to take steps for a more sustainable future in large urban areas giving in insights on what can Berlin learn from Shanghai and vice versa.
Besides, the forum provided an excellent opportunity for the IHK Berlin delegation with government representatives, associations, and cleantech companies – to meet and exchange with the Chinese cleantech and sustainable companies.
The event was organized by
on behalf of
