FRANKFURT, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Sustained dialogue and cross-sector collaboration between Europe and China are necessary for a vision of capital connectivity, Thomas Richter, CEO of the German Investment Funds Association (BVI), has noted.
Interest from both sides in accessing each other's financial markets "continues to grow steadily," as evidenced by the strong turnout of around 200 participants in the recent "Sino-European Finance Summit" in Frankfurt, Richter added in recent interview with Xinhua.
By initiating this summit, BVI, which co-chaired the summit with Bank of China, has provided a platform to "facilitate future business relationships in both directions," Richter said, underscoring Germany's role as Europe's largest fund market and China's rapidly expanding asset management sector.
As a bridge between different markets, BVI positions itself as a "trusted facilitator" between the German and Chinese asset management sectors.
The memorandum of understanding, inked between BVI and the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) on the sidelines of the summit sets the stage for high-level exchanges, including mutual visits, joint industry conferences, and regulatory knowledge-sharing, according to BVI, which represents the interests of the country's fund industry at both national and international level.
"It's about building bridges, it's about building trust, it's about getting to know each other," Richter said of the agreement's spirit, calling the summit a key starting point for an ongoing dialogue and a meaningful framework for mutual exchange.
Looking ahead, Richter envisions stronger capital connectivity between Europe and China over the next five years through continuous engagement.
"A successful capital connectivity over the coming years will mean regular, high-level exchanges and thematic conferences that keep the momentum alive," he said.
Rather than one-off events, Richter stressed the need for a continuous dialogue that deepens mutual understanding and "opens doors for collaboration." He hopes that the Sino-European Finance Summit will become a recurring fixture: "This is the first of its kind, and I consider it a big success if we will have more conferences like this, the next one hopefully in China."
In the near term, concrete cooperation is already taking shape. Richter sees cross-border fund investments and distribution as the areas with the strongest immediate momentum for China-Europe collaboration.
As a tangible step, BVI, in cooperation with Bank of China, has published a guideline titled "Investment in China". The publication aims to help European asset managers understand regulatory procedures and navigate the Chinese market, including steps for establishing fund companies locally.
"Our role is to set up a platform for discussion and to be active on regulatory issues," he said, noting that BVI works not only on European Union legislation but also engages internationally. "That is why we are trying to link with China and create a dialogue on regulatory things with our Chinese colleagues."
"Building trust through practical collaboration is key to creating a strong foundation beyond government frameworks," Richter noted that he expects deeper engagement in joint innovation projects, particularly in digitalization.
With mutual interest growing and dialogue deepening, Europe and China are well-positioned to build a resilient framework for long-term capital connectivity, according to the industry leader. ■
