On 16 March, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China and Flanders Investment & Trade organized a screening of the movie at the Belgian Embassy, followed by a buffet from our beloved Morel’s Restaurant (thanks, Renaat). Leo De Bock presented the movie and answered many questions from the audience.
The multiple award-winning documentary “The Dammed” was filmed in 1995 by Leo De Bock, a renowned Belgian documentary maker.

Siegfried Verheijke was also involved in the making of the movie. It focuses on the displacement of the local population affected by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam Project. While it says it tries to show a “balanced view”, obviously the Chinese government side loses out, thanks to the clumsy explanations from the government officials and “guides”.
Always difficult for me to give an assessment. We can expect unfortunate cases of mishandling the displacement, corruption, miscalculation in the planning of this huge project and more. That is, well, normal in China. It is a pity there is no good follow-up on the today situation of the Three Gorges Dam Project – how are people now really resettled (and compensated) and how is the impact on the environment and the local economies. The big question – was it all worth it. Of course the river is a killer but measuring the impact on energy generation and flood control are just part of the equation. Having been involved in several hydro projects myself, the real question is – will they be able to control the sedimentation of the lake. As far as I know, that will be very, very problematic. We might end up with lots of sand and little water behind the huge dam.

On 22 March the service center for SME company support in China was officially opened in the presence of Bernard Pierre (Ambassador of Belgium), Koen Allaert (Managing Director Flanders Investment & Trade – FIT), Siegfried Verheijke (chief representative FIT Beijing) and Zheng Rong (Public relations officer Kingsphere International Business Services Centre).
The Center has the support of the Embassy of Belgium and FIT Beijing and acts like an “incubator” for SME’s from the Benelux. Already three Flemish SME’s are using it and soon four more will join.

It is located in Jianguomenwai Diplomatic Compound 9-1-33, 100600 Beijing
Setting up a meaningful service center for SME is a challenge. I have been asked by several countries to make a proposal but we declined. Without proper subsidies the investment in rental, staff and equipment cannot be recovered as SME cannot afford substantial fees that would at least give some profit to the investor. The Kingsphere initiative is a good start. The location and setup are generally speaking nice and convenient – for foreigners. But for local Chinese there are difficulties to enter the diplomatic compound. The challenge is also for the Center to provide convenient services (Internet, telephone, copier, interpreters, etc.). All not that cheap in Beijing… if you want to do it well.
Some countries showed good examples, such as France (Région Rhône Alpes – in Shanghai) and Germany (The German Center in the Landmark).

On 21 March the Belgian ambassador (again) opened his doors for a joint Bencham / FIT / VOKA event. The occasion: the visit of Koen Allaert, Managing Director of Flanders Investment & Trade, and of the VOKA Trade Delegation from West Flanders.

Helmy Koolen of Bencham, the Belgian ambassador and the audience

Gilbert gave a condensed overview of tips for doing business in China. And some brand new views on Chinese attitudes in life, with their impact on business.
The theatre play in Dutch Language was performed by Chinese students who are studying Dutch Language in Beijing.

On 4 April the Belgian ambassador Bernard Pierre graciously received the delegation of over 30 students. They were touring China (Shanghai, Xian, Beijing) to explore the country, visit some factories and meet some business people. The same week, three different student delegations were in Beijing, two from Belgium and one from Holland. I don’t agree anymore to make presentations and organize sightseeing trips free of charge. It all demands lots of preparation work and takes too much of my time. I do agree to meet them for a chat as it was the case that day.

Our Belgian (and Dutch) universities are still way behind USA, UK and some other countries (e.g. Denmark) in organizing professional study tours. They claim lack of money, probably true but it exactly demonstrates their weakness. Compare that to the recent visit of Imperial College of London (see earlier entry): a very intensive tour with many high-level speakers, the use of good hotels and facilities, printed material with all details on the trip (bio of the speakers, program, etc.). And yes, they pay speakers like me. The whole study tour is professionally organized, mostly through specialized service companies.
Way to go for us in the Benelux.
At least they are starting to come to China – a step in the right direction.