From November 29th until December 6th, Voka – Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mechelen organises, in cooperation with Voka Kempen and the Belgian‐Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC), a business trip to China, and more specifically to the cities of Chengdu, Hefei and Shanghai. This mission would like to address the SMEs that are not really familiar yet with the Chinese export market or companies who would like to grow on this market and explore new regions.
Why do Voka Mechelen and BCECC again organise a mission to China?
China is an interesting alternative to a slower growing European and American economy. According to recent reports, 1 out of 4 Flemish SMEs active in China expect a revenue growth of more than 50 %. According to Trends, China is the fastest growing import market outside the EU. The country has grown about 8% annually over the last 10 years. Moreover, China and the European Union are taking further steps in the expansion of the fundamental trade agreements.
From now on, China is no longer just seen as a manufacturing country but as well as a consuming market. Entering new markets with a rapidly growing wealthy middle class, as in China, also offers opportunities in these less favourable economic times. The “Go West Policy” in China provides many business opportunities for SMEs through grants and incentives from the local government. The infrastructure is being adapted in order to attract more private investors and to improve the local living standards so that the gap between the rich coastal provinces becomes smaller.
Why opt for these cities ?
We will visit two of the three areas that, because of their proximity to big and wealthy cities, are the biggest beneficiaries of the rise of the hinterland; being the provinces of Sichuan and Anhui. Chengdu is the capital of the western Sichuan province and has low labour costs, lower wages and cheap land. All these factors make it a logical choice for investors who wish to economize. The largest rail container terminal in Asia is also situated in this city. Hefei is the capital of the Anhui Province and the most dynamic region in China, due to its unique geographical location, which connects all the far ends of China. In a radius of 500 km together with Hefei, this region is responsible for 40% of national GDP. The province is famous for the automotive industry, household appliances, energy resources, agriculture and tourism. Shanghai: the reason why we opt for this city needs little explanation given that this city is the commercial and financial center of China. More information will follow further on in the programme.
Please find detailed programs and sign-up form in attachment.
Please send your application form before August 11th, 2014 to:
Voka – Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mechelen
Attn. Petra Van Bouwelen
O.L.Vrouwestraat 85, 2800 Mechelen
Cell phone: +32 476 909 909
E‐mail: petra.van.bouwelen@voka.be
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