Maastricht University Meets China’s Fast-Moving Business World

On July 21, Maastrict University's iEMFC (International Executive Master of Finance and Control) delegation attended an engaging seminar at the Dutch Consulate General in Shanghai. Sachi Claringbould, Deputy Consul General and Head of Economic Affairs, introduced the consulate’s role and provided insights into the business climate for Dutch companies operating in China. Following this, Jonathan Xu, Deputy General Manager of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce, presented the Chamber’s mission, services, and support available to Benelux businesses in the region. The seminar sparked lively discussions and many insightful questions from attendees eager to deepen their understanding of China’s market.

On July 23, the delegation continued their exploration of China’s business environment with a visit to Buy Quickly (BQ), one of China’s foremost e-commerce powerhouses. Hosted at their impressive headquarters, the students were warmly welcomed by Jacky Tam, Vice President of BQ New Logistics. Jacky’s insightful tour highlighted BQ’s real-time IT dashboards and cutting-edge studio setups where high-end content is produced for global brands.

The delegation learned how BQ supports leading international names such as Gucci, Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Tiffany & Co., Pandora, and Rituals through its comprehensive services—from content creation to logistics and data intelligence. The scale and innovation of BQ’s operations clearly demonstrated why it remains a key player in China’s booming e-commerce ecosystem.

The second part of the visit took place at BQ’s ROMOMO Livestreaming Centre, where Mafalda Freixial, Business Development Director, provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at China’s livestreaming economy. Students witnessed how platforms like Taobao, WeChat, and Douyin are used to drive sales in real time through highly coordinated livestream sessions — a format still emerging in Europe.

The Benelux Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai is proud to facilitate these meaningful exchanges that connect Benelux professionals, schools, and companies with China’s innovative business landscape.

Reach out to us to discover how your Benelux organization can connect directly with China’s most innovative companies and institutions.