On September 26th, the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce (FCCC) organized an interesting panel discussion focused on “How Flemish SMEs are tackling the China market”.
Ms Gwenn Sonck, Executive Director at Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce (FCCC), introduced the discussion with an overview on how doing business with China looks like in 2023 and how the landscape is changing.
Mr Koen De Ridder, Flemish Economic Representative in Beijing, addressed the opportunities that China presents to Flemish companies and entrepreneurs. Which are the interesting sectors? Where to find information about them? Flanders Investment & Trade can advise you, but I also suggest that you consult the Chinese government's five-year plans. They are mission statements of where China is focussing on. You will find China's requirements in them. In the current five-year plan, the focus is on agriculture and urbanization. China plans to build 30 new airports and focus on smart logistics. It is important to carefully read the five-year plans, because they contain much invaluable information. The Chinese are much interested in food and beverage. There is a mature market of consumers who are willing to spend, have much money and like foreign food and drinks. Climate and environment is another interesting market. China is Europe's partner in this field, and companies having to offer something will find a ready market. Everything related to the medical sector is also important. China has many health problems. They have realized economic welfare in a very short time, but had to make health sacrifices. China also has a fast-growing elderly population, requiring certain products and technologies. Elderly care is becoming very important and is an interesting market. It is important to communicate with entrepreneurs who are already active in the Chinese market and this panel discussion is an important opportunity to gain an insight in China. Whether you are a big or small company, sooner or later you need to give China a place in your international market strategy. We can never have too much information. Flanders Investment and Trade offers you tailor made support which is free of charge.
Mr Maarten Michielssens, CEO of EnergyVision, pointed out how having a Belgian company with operations in China was a big advantage during the last 10 years. You need to be prepared to spend a lot of time in China, it is not just another country.
Mr Peter Wyffels, Export & Key Account Manager at JORI, highlighted how companies are not only producing in China, but also exporting high-end goods to the country. We protected our brand name and also the Chinese version, which is important. Do not start in China if you are not well-prepared and don't play on emotion. Also make sure to look for a very good interpreter and screen your potential partners very well.
Mr Uwe Leonard, Managing Director at Lambo Laboratories, talked about how the healthcare sector is growing in the 2nd largest economy in the world and what opportunities it presents. The company is active in a B2B environment, offering capsules for food supplements. The company also imports materials from China. The company exports to about 30 countries. It started to enter the Chinese market about a year ago thanks to networking. Many Chinese consumers don't have much confidence in local products. This year 13% to 15% of turnover will be realized in China. Goods are sold through on- and off-line channels. Through e-commerce the goods are stored in a bonded warehouse and sold directly to the customers. We expect our turnover in China to double next year. China is a game-changer and we are willing to invest in it.
The session was followed by a networking dinner with the Flemish Trade Commissioners in China.
