Meet the Ambassador - China-en
‘The Netherlands’ strengths are in the areas of economy, agriculture, design and culture’
In his new position as Dutch ambassador to China, André Haspels, former ambassador to the United States, is keen to promote Dutch values. And he sees many opportunities for economic partnership between the two countries in the areas of agriculture, design and culture.
What was the first thing you noticed about China, the streetscape and the way of life?
‘I’d been on holiday briefly in Beijing and Shanghai and had been to China twice for work, but that was a while ago. When I arrived in September 2023 one of the first things I noticed was the level of digitalisation. All payments here are done online, using WeChat and Alipay. Cash, and even credit card payments are uncommon here. In the US I was still using paper business cards, but even that’s been digitalised here.
‘The level of security on the streets is very noticeable. You see a lot of police and even soldiers. That’s not something we’re used to in the Netherlands.
‘I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in air quality in Beijing. The air here used to be very polluted, in particular by the coal-fired power plants on the outskirts of the city. Some of these have now been closed down, and there are also many more electric vehicles than before. Fifteen years ago I could hardly go running because of the polluted air, but it’s much better now. Which is fortunate, because I love sport.’
You’ve worked for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1987. What originally motivated you at the start of your diplomatic career, and has that changed?
‘Interest in politics ran in my family. I studied political science and international relations, but didn’t really have a clear-cut idea about what I wanted to do after university. In 1986 I had the opportunity to do an internship at the ministry. After that, I signed up for the ministry’s course for diplomats. My first posting was at the Dutch embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. What I still love about my work is that you learn to see Europe and the Netherlands, quite literally, from a different perspective. My work isn’t always straightforward, but it is always exciting and interesting.’
‘At the start of my career I was more idealistic. I wanted to make the world a better place. Over the years I’ve come to realise that the Netherlands doesn’t have that much room to manoeuvre in international politics, and that we need allies to help us achieve our objectives. Our diplomatic network is very important in this regard. In China, besides the embassy in Beijing we operate from our three consulates-general in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. There are also four Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSOs) in other cities that support Dutch and Chinese businesses seeking to work together.’
In which areas do the Netherlands and China work together?
‘Although there are a lot of differences between the Netherlands and China, trade relations are good. We share common ground when it comes to agriculture, healthcare, and food and energy security. Recently a mission of 19 Dutch horticulture businesses visited China. The delegation promoted close cooperation between government, researchers and the business community.
‘Culture is another area in which there is a lot of scope for partnership. Dutch design and Dutch architecture are particularly popular here, and Dutch architects are very active in China. For example, I recently attended the re-opening of the Shenzhen Women and Children’s Centre, designed by the architecture firm MVRDV.
‘When it comes to promoting Dutch values, I especially think of respect for human rights and freedom of expression. The first article of the Dutch constitution is about equality between all persons in the Netherlands, regardless of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. It is the basis of Dutch democracy governed by the rule of law.
‘China presents opportunities for Dutch businesses, but there are risks too. And it’s a complex playing field. We help entrepreneurs find their way in China, while focusing on themes such as sustainability, human rights and working conditions. We advise businesses to do their research carefully. When it comes to China, good preparation is at least half the work.’
What would be your advice for Chinese entrepreneurs seeking to do business with the Dutch? And vice versa?
‘Dutch people are direct in a way that can come across as rude in other countries. But that’s absolutely not how it’s meant – it’s just how we interact. Dutch people like efficiency, in communication as in other areas. For Dutch companies who want to do business in China I’d say: take the time to get to know your Chinese business partners.’
Has the number of Dutch businesses in China returned to pre-pandemic levels?
‘It’s not yet quite what it used to be. China recently lifted visa requirements for five European countries, including the Netherlands, and for travellers from Malaysia for visits for a period of up to 15 days. That will help attract more tourists and businesses to China.’
How do you relax after a long day of work?
‘As I mentioned earlier, I love sport, such as running and cycling. And, to be honest, my work gives me a lot of energy too. In China people have a lot of respect for the Dutch work-life balance: in the Netherlands people generally work from 9.00 to 17.00 a maximum of five days a week. I have to admit that I don’t always keep to that. On long days I can take a power-nap and then keep going.'
‘My wife and I came to Beijing together and we can’t wait to explore the city, the region and the country. We have four children who all work or study in the Netherlands. They’ll definitely be visiting. But that may have something to do with our dog Baloo and our two cats Simba and Mufasa, too.’