European SMEs play an essential role in fostering innovation, economic resilience, and sustainable development, both within the EU and when they expand internationally to markets like China. In the Greater Bay Area (GBA), EU SMEs face unique opportunities and challenges as they navigate a fast-evolving economic landscape shaped by China’s strategic initiatives and the region’s emphasis on technological growth, green manufacturing, and a shift toward sustainable practices.
Policies such as China’s “Opinions on Accelerating the Comprehensive Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development” encourage sustainability and create an environment conducive to green innovation, particularly in manufacturing. However, SMEs often face barriers in talent acquisition, resource accessibility, and adapting to complex regulatory landscapes.
On 4 December, the EU SME Centre and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China invite you to the “EU SME General Manager Lunch Dialogue” for SME leaders to exchange insights on the operational realities within the GBA. The dialogue will explore sustainable manufacturing, regulatory impacts, and HR challenges, aiming to foster connections, share strategies, and support the long-term success of European SMEs in South China.
Agenda (China Standard Time)
11:00–11:30
Registration at the venue
11:30–11:35
Opening remarks Gianluca Giorgi, Vice Chair of European Chamber South China Board, CEO of Shenzhen ES Automation
11:35–12:05
Insights on the Current EU SME Situation at the National Level Liam Jia, Team Lead, EU SME Centre
12:05–12:40
Panel discussion Moderator: Daisy Yang, Chair of the European Chamber SME Forum Panellists: Gianluca Giorgi, Vice Chair of European Chamber South China Board, CEO of Shenzhen ES Automation Tobias Könings, Vice Chair of the European Chamber SME Forum Christian Gassner, Vice Chair of the European Chamber Manufacturing Forum
12:40–13:30
Lunch and free discussion
Speakers and panellists
Liam Jia
Team Lead, EU SME Centre
Liam Jia is a versatile professional with the past 8 years advising European businesses on market access and business strategies to China. He has a solid working experience in project and operations management, financial and risk control in the EU context.
Liam is an experienced speaker and author of publications on a range of topics, including the environmental sector, SME digitalisation and F&B distribution. Great team player, generating positive influence on teammates.
Gianluca Giorgi
Vice Chair of European Chamber South China Board
Gianluca Giorgi is the Vice Chair of the European Chamber South China Chapter and the CEO of Shenzhen ES Automation Consulting Ltd which focuses on strategic mentors in Robotics and Automation projects. As a Business Innovation and Application Certified Expert in MIT Sloan Blockchain Technologies, he also holds a post as the member of the International Blockchain Council and member in the Information Technology Working Group.
Daisy Yang
Chair of European Chamber SME Forum, South China Chapter
Daisy Yang has been elected as the Chair of the European Chamber SME Forum for the South China Chapter for the year 2023/2024. She is a Senior Associate at D’Andrea & Partners Legal Counsel and is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations in the Greater Bay Area. With her extensive international exposure and experience, she collaborates closely with her colleagues in Vietnam and the UAE. Over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in various fields, including corporate law, labour law, outbound and inbound investments, and more. Her expertise has been instrumental in assisting numerous companies in expanding their operations in both China and overseas markets, fostering growth in local markets as well.
Throughout her career, Daisy Yang has acquired valuable experience in both the manufacturing sector and the professional consulting industry. This unique blend of backgrounds enables her to comprehend the intricacies of both domains, making her exceptionally effective in providing valuable guidance and support to her clients.
Tobias Könings
Vice Chair of the European Chamber SME Forum
Tobias joined PM Technology Consulting Services, a Finnish-German company in Shenzhen, as Managing Director in 2014.
He had the chance to be in China for the first time in 2002 and got to know different parts and sides of China in the last 2 decades. He came to China because he was interested in the country, the culture and the people, and was able to stay because of the many opportunities and the many friendly and helpful people he met.
“In the last 15 years of living and working in China, I have realized that no matter how big the technical challenges are, the biggest challenge is always to bring people together and cooperate.”
Christian Gassner
Limoss (Shenzhen) General Manager
Christian Gassner, a prominent figure in the manufacturing industry, holds esteemed positions as Member of the Board at the European Chamber and Chair of the Manufacturing Forum, Owner of SZmuri, and General Manager of Limoss (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
With over two decades of experience in production and manufacturing, Chris has honed his expertise in lean production, incorporating both theory and practical application. With deep roots in China’s manufacturing landscape for 20 years, he has dedicated himself to advancing the theory and implementation of lean production. Chris firmly believes that anyone, regardless of their position, class, or scenario, can strive to become an outstanding lean practitioner.
As Chair of the Manufacturing Forum, Chris plays a proactive role in leading and shaping various activities. He spearheads discussions among members, providing insightful suggestions and feasible solutions on a wide range of pressing and profound industry matters. Furthermore, he actively fosters communication and collaboration between different forums within the European Chamber, facilitating engagement among diverse backgrounds. This inclusive approach ensures comprehensive perspectives and extends the boundaries of discussions to encompass a broader spectrum of insights.
Christian Gassner epitomises excellence in the manufacturing realm, tirelessly advocating for the principles of lean production and driving transformative change within the industry.
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