(Yicai Global) Nov. 8 -- Companies from the Netherlands want to team up with Chinese firms to build smart cities, according to the European country's consul general to Shanghai.

The Netherlands is a trustworthy partner in building smart cities and it hopes to cooperate with Chinese companies in this field, Remco van Wijngaarden said in an interview with Yicai Global during the ongoing import expo in Shanghai.

The Dutch pavilion highlights the country's experience in building sustainable urban development, including fields such as food safety, circular economy, healthcare and the environment, Wijngaarden said.

Trade volume between China and the Netherlands increased 17 percent to a record high of USD78.4 billion last year, official statistics show. Chinese exports jumped 17 percent to USD67.1 billion and the Asian country's imports rose 15 percent to USD11.2 billion.

From January to August, trade volume between the two countries surged 13 percent to USD54.7 billion. China's exports rose 13 percent to USD46.6 billion while imports climbed 10 percent to USD8.2 billion.

A Dutch delegation of about 20 companies, led by Hanneke Schuiling, the director general for foreign economic relations, exhibited their products in three pavilions.

Friesland, a northern region in Holland, presented fair visitors with over 140 years of Dutch history. An image of a region with iconic windmills and pastures was tweaked with the Chinese Belt and Road investment initiative, as well as the China Railway Express to Europe, which are both laying out a future with more cross-border business opportunities.

Friesland also brought over 50 types of dairy products that are not yet sold in China, a staff member said.

China is an indispensably important market for Dutch companies, Wijngaarden said. The Netherlands is the world's second-largest agricultural exporter following the US.

The China International Import Expo is being held at the National Convention & Exhibition Center till Nov. 10. 

Editor: Emmi Laine