It has been a year since the Beijing Winter Olympics sparked wider consumer interest in winter sports in China, with consumption hits including the event’s mascot Bing Dwen Dwen. While the winter sports industry is fast-growing, it is time to take stock of the sector in China after the momentum created by the Olympics, in light of 3 years of various degrees of COVID-19 restrictions forcing lockdowns of many winter sport facilities such as ice rink and ski resorts, but also with supporting policies such as the Winter Sports Development Plan (2016-2025) and the 14th Five-year Plan for the Development of Sports.
On 28 February 2023, the EU SME Centre and the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce organised a training seminar to discuss the current state of play of China’s winter sports industry, potential trends and developments, as well as opportunities and challenges for European SMEs.
In this video, industry experts discuss the emerging trends and expected developments of this young industry in China, with a focus on governmental initiatives, policies and investments. While the industry clearly holds a high potential for foreign businesses and investors, experts delve into particular opportunities and challenges for European SMEs looking into doing business in this sector in China.
The workshop includes a panel discussion, allowing for an exchange of views and experiences from SMEs from various backgrounds in winter sports and already established in the China market.
Words of Welcome
Presentation of the EU SME Centre
Welcoming words from the CICC | Business Finland | Advantage Austria
One Year After the Winter Olympics – Overview of China’s Winter Sports Industry and Future Developments
Li Zhang, Executive Vice President, Asia Digital Group
Panel Discussion
Challenges and Opportunities for European SMEs in China’s Winter Sports Industry
Moderator: Juha Tuominen, Chairman, FinnCham Beijing
Panellists:
Remigio Brunelli, Managing Director, Beijing Tecnica Sport Equipment Co., Ltd.
Xing Shi, Suomen Biathlon Oy
Yanh Li, General Manager, Sanhe Doppelmayr Transport Systems Co., Ltd.
Andy Niu, Vepe Oy Peltonen
Panel Discussion
Emerging Trends and Opportunities in China’s Winter Sports Sector
Moderator: Juha Tuominen, Chairman, FinnCham Beijing
Panellists:
Yi Li, General Manager, Snow & Ice Center, Sunac Tourism
Florian Hajzeri, TechnoAlpin
Wendy Luo, Vuokatti Sport Resort Oy
Q&A Session and Closing Remarks
