Sustainable Transition for SMEs

The European Commission has announced a zero-pollution ambition in the European Green Deal, part of its strategy to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In China, the central government has issued plans for the development of a circular economy, encouraging companies to transform their business models and adopt more sustainable practices.

Yet, SMEs face significant challenges in bearing the transition cost of sustainable practices and operations. In 2018, the China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection reported that penalties for environmental regulations violations were mostly incurred by SMEs. Obstacles include difficulty in accessing information, finding cost-effective operational opportunities, meeting mandatory and voluntary standards, and securing sustainable funding sources.

On 3 July 2024, the EU SME Centre and European Union Chamber of Commerce in China invite you to explore the opportunities and challenges of the sustainable transition for SMEs with a keynote presentation by Isabelle Grippa, CEO of hub.brussels, and a panel discussion with SMEs sharing their experiences.

Agenda
China Standard Time

15:30 – 16:00

Registration and networking
For onsite participants in Shanghai

16:00 – 16:10

Opening remarks
Carlo Diego D’Andrea, Vice President, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

16:10 – 16:20

EU SME Centre introduction
Liam Jia, Team Leader, EU SME Centre

16:20 – 16:35

How Shifting Towards Sustainable Entrepreneurship Creates Opportunities for Companies
Keynote presentation by Isabelle Grippa, CEO, hub.brussels

16:35 – 17:25

Striking a Balance Between SMEs’ Business Growth and Sustainable Transition
Panel discussion moderated by Liam Jia, Team Leader, EU SME Centre
Panellists:
Mailei Li, Sustainability Director, Shanghai OHSA Data Technology
Jimmy Liang, Managing Director of China, Shanghai Waste Treatment Technologies

17:25 – 17:30

Closing remarks

Registration possible through this link.