In a bid to bolster the global semiconductor industry, China and the Netherlands have engaged in discussions to enhance cooperation, focusing particularly on the trade of lithography machines. On Wednesday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Geoffrey van Leeuwen in Beijing to deliberate on this crucial sector.
Minister Wang emphasized the significance of the Netherlands as a reliable economic and trade partner. He expressed hope that the Netherlands would uphold contractual commitments and support enterprises in fulfilling their obligations, ensuring the normal trade flow of lithography machines. “We should work together to maintain the stability of the global semiconductor industrial and supply chains and promote the sustained and healthy development of our bilateral economic and trade relations,” Wang stated.
Van Leeuwen acknowledged China’s pivotal role as one of the Netherlands’ most important trading partners. He affirmed the Netherlands’ readiness to continue being a dependable partner for China. Addressing concerns over export controls, van Leeuwen clarified that Dutch measures do not target any specific country. “Our decisions are based on independent assessments, and we will minimize the impact on the global semiconductor industrial and supply chains in a safe and controllable manner,” he assured.
The meeting highlights both countries’ commitment to fostering stronger ties in the semiconductor industry, a sector critical to technological advancement and global economic growth. By seeking deeper collaboration, China and the Netherlands aim to contribute positively to the resilience and innovation within the global semiconductor market.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
