The Understanding China Advisory Council roundtable focused on 'creating new EU-China synergies'. The roundtable provided a comprehensive briefing on China's 12th Five-Year Plan, specifically its green aspects and opportunities for European business. This was followed by a frank and highly useful discussion of shortfalls in the 11th Five-Year Plan, and how those issues can be resolved in implementing the 12th Five-Year Plan, especially in the areas of urbanisation and green energy.

The roundtable discussion suggested that Europe can contribute to the implementation of the new plan. Examples include investment in management systems for urbanisation, housing, education services and medical care for growing urban populations. This is one of the areas where more cooperation is needed.