Our company’s history is closely interwoven with the modern history of China. Since its opening to the global markets and reform until its current presence as an economical and technological powerhouse, the Horsten family has been a privileged spectator and participant of the many changes and challenges the country has undergone.
About us
Horsten International is set up in 1996 by the late Joos Horsten and is managed by three of his four sons. In 2001 Horsten set up their office in Xi’an and in 2004 a Hong Kong company was set up.
More than 40 years of pioneering in China
1979
Joos Horsten’s first visit to China, representing Janssen Pharmaceutica.
1985
Contract signing of the Xi’an-Janssen joint venture, one of the very first Sino-foreign joint ventures.
1989
Joos Horsten receiving a Friendship Award from the hands of Premier Li Peng.
1996
Joos Horsten sets up his China consulting company, the first in Belgium.
1998
Bart Horsten, Joos’ 2nd son, joins the company.
1999
Horsten International becomes a shareholder in Xi’an-Thiebaut, a joint venture producing aluminium tubes.
2001
Wim Horsten, Joos’ 4th son, joins the company and Horsten sets up its China office.
2003
Horsten sets up the Xi’an Flanders Innovation Center, one of the first innovation centers in China.
2005
Publication of the book ‘Dr. Paul Janssen, pionier in farma en in China’, with a contribution by Joos Horsten.
2006
The Xi’an Flanders Innovation Center is transformed into Horsten Xi’an Innovation Services Co.Ltd.
2008
Joos Horsten passes away on a business trip to China.
2016
20th anniversary of Horsten International.
2016
Tom Horsten, Joos’ 3rd son, joins the company.
2016
Horsten sets up MyChinaWeb, the first China digital marketing agency in Belgium.
2021
Horsten becomes part of the Heylen Group.
2023
China opens up after three years of isolation. We are ready to start new projects!
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