China Europa 2009 to focus on sustainable urban development

China Europa, the business convention promoting trade links between China and Europe, will be held for the third time in the French port city of Le Havre from 31 March to 2 April 2009. The event aims to boost partnerships between European and Chinese companies by programming over 5,000 business appointments. Le Havre Développement, the region's economic development agency, is organising the event, which will focus on the theme of sustainable urban development (SUD).

China Europa 2009 will build on the event's proven track record on industrial issues, while also broadening its perspective to include a particular focus on sustainable urban development. China Europa 2009 will feature a new 10,000m2 exhibition space, in addition to the business meetings and conferences that have always been key parts of the convention.

China Europa 2009 is aimed at both large companies and SMEs that are keen to export their expertise and products in the SUD sector. It is also open to local and regional authorities, as well to academics, researchers, architects, town planners and investors offering services in this field.

The theme of sustainable urban development covers a range of sectors. China Europa 2009 will focus on industries whose development corresponds to clearly identified needs in Europe and China, such as urban development, architecture, building and public works, living environment, energy, education and training, environment, healthcare facilities, ports and port facilities, communication networks, safety, water treatment and, finally, air treatment.

Both Europe and China are currently facing major environmental challenges relating to the rapid expansion of their urban centres. Around 50% of the world's population now lives in urban environments, as opposed to just 10% in 1980. Population growth between 2000 and 2030 is expected to occur entirely in urban areas. During this period, the urban population is expected to increase by 2 billion inhabitants, which is equivalent to the overall increase in the world's population. By 2100, 80% of the world's population will live in cities. The world's cities only represent 2.8% of the planet's surface, yet they account for 78% of carbon emissions, 76% of wood use and 60% of water consumption.

China Europa is part of the official timetable set out in the cooperation agreement that was signed in late November 2007 between the French Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Land Settlement (MEEDDAT) and the Ministries of the Environment, Communication, Housing and Regional Development of the People's Republic of China.

About China Europa

Le Havre Développement is the development agency for the region of Le Havre and Upper Normandy in north-western France.

China Europa was established by Le Havre Développement as part of the region's strategy for tackling major issues linked to globalisation, and to confirm the region's paramount role as an industrial centre, a leading port and a large international logistics hub – more particularly with regard to trade with China.

China Europa 2009 will feature 5,000 pre-arranged business meetings organised by the BCI group; 10,000m2 of exhibition space; and a full programme of conferences and workshops in which Chinese and European experts in sustainable urban development will participate.

China Europa is supported by the French Ministry of the Economy, Industry and Employment; the French Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Land Settlement (MEEDDAT); the Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China; and the European Union (Directorates General for Research, Energy, Transport and the Environment).

China Europa will be held at the Docks Café exhibition centre in Le Havre (France) from 31 March to 2 April 2009.