We are a Chinese company, too - Request for Participation Go back »

2007-02-27 | Beijing

We are a Chinese company, too - Request for Participation

The Project...

The German Presidency and EU Embassies in China have initiated a campaign aiming at a presentation of achievements of European companies for the benefit of China – creation of jobs, training, supporting the local infrastructure, research and development, etc. - positive aspects of the presence of European companies in China that justify the demand to be welcomed and to be treated at an equal footing with wholly Chinese-invested domestic companies i.e. in relation to market access / public procurement, technical product specifications, IPR protection etc..

For this purpose a series of events is to be organised by chambers of commerce and individual companies. Important aspects are lobbying, invitation of government representatives at local and provincial level, the presentation of products/services, open house, interactive social events as well as encouraging Chinese employees to speak in favour of “their” companies etc., and contacts to the media. Most events should take place outside Beijing. 

Modifications and additional ideas are welcome.

The first two events have taken place in Shanghai and Nanjing.

However, we are still in need your support regarding events from companies from the European Union.

If your company is interested in participating in this campaign, please contact Ms Marta Parente, Membership and Sponsorship Manager at the European Chamber; mparente@euccc.com.cn or Mr. Helmut Lueders, Head of the Trade Promotion Office at the German Embassy in  Beijing; helmut.lueders@diplo.de

….and its Philosophy

Foreign (European) companies are often perceived by Chinese authorities and associations as operating differently than Chinese companies in regard to corporate social responsibility. Therefore, it is in the interest of the EU companies as well as in the interest of EU Embassies to highlight the achievements of companies from EU countries as good corporate citizens – bringing numerous benefits for the economic and social development of their local Chinese environment and beyond for China as a whole. Examples for this are – among many others – the creation of qualified jobs, vocational training, introduction of high standards of work safety, application of strict environmental standards, granting additional benefits for employees through increased social commitments, pension funds, development of local infrastructure etc. This added value contributed by European companies should be presented in a positive light in order to create a favourable image of the individual company as well as to a positive image of European business partners and EU member states in general in China. The rationale behind this campaign is to attain equal treatment of foreign funded and local companies in all fields and not to be discriminated against in relation to market access. For example, if their IPR are infringed, jobs of their Chinese employees may be at risk. In general recommendations to the Chinese authorities as outlined in the position paper 2006/2007 of the European Chamber should be supported through the campaign.

The Chinese administration on all levels, the media and a broad public should be reached .

Key Elements:

Positive presentation, achievements of European enterprises in China

* The Presidency coordinates, member country Embassies provide political sponsorship for events organised by respective national companies, the companies prepare, finance and carry out the events

* The Presidency is prepared to assume the patronage if requested. The Ambassador, the Head of the Economic Department or the Head of Trade Promotion will make opening remarks

* One EU company acts as “sponsor”, others, if suitable, as “co-sponsor(s)”. The “co-sponsor(s)” typically can be SME(s) from member states other than the “sponsor’s”.

* The German Presidency will sum up the outcome of all events and will invite the incoming Presidency to include the major results of discussions at the EU summit in 2007

* Series of eight or more events, morning and/or lunchtime, afternoon and/or evening

* The Presidency supports invitations of government officials (cover letters)

* European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and national chambers support and promote participation of the companies

* Press or commercial counsellor of the EU Embassy and of the sponsor’s home country contacts local / provincial / national media for broad coverage

Examples:

· Gala Dinner for high ranking representatives at local and provincial governments with presentation

· Seminar on Environmental Standards

· Presentation of Corporate Codes of Conduct

· Worskhop on Social Responsibility of Companies

· Lecture on New Models of Lifelong Learning

· Special media coverage on the occasion of the opening of a new business

· Visit of, for example, an automotive plant for local provincial politicians

· Open House with activities for a broad public

· Special guided tours of a production plant

· Foundation Stone laying ceremony of a new JV

· Wine tasting sponsored by a major food retailer

· Essay competition for students on “Trends of IT”, Award Ceremony

· Competition of modeling a turbine/small engine/….., Award Ceremony for students of engineering

· Open House:
For an increased visibility of the campaign, companies shall be encouraged to     organise “Open House Days”. This may be combined to the a.m. events or may be an additional event unrelated to one of the main events. If the companies wish so, the patronage of the Presidency, welcome remarks of a national Embassy representative, brochures about Europe (EU Delegation!) etc are possible. 

Press contacts and invitations by the companies only. This is aiming at a broader public and is mainly part of the PR activities of the companies. Any other activity (foundation stone ceremonies, opening of a factory, signing ceremonies, company anniversaries etc) may include elements of the campaign.

· And about 100 more ideas ….

         Open Concept, no limit to imagination!

For more information contact the Head of: Trade Promotion Office of the German Embassy, Mr Helmut Lüders; helmut.lueders@diplo.de, phone: 8532 9314.