The Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce organized the China Immersion Programme: ‘Negotiating with the Chinese and China Entry Strategies’ on 19 March in Ghent.

Mr. Bo Ji, Chief Representative Europe & Assistant Dean Global Executive Education of the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, was the keynote speaker.

Attendees gained a comparative understanding of the practical Chinese and Western approaches to negotiation as well as sharpened their own negotiation skills through learning from multiple case studies and real-life contexts. Furthermore, they will identified the cultural roots behind business scenarios, which will provide them with the knowledge to reshape their strategies and tactics. The attending business leaders also learned to optimize their approach to a win-win value creation through negotiating with the Chinese to achieve a sustainable partnership.
There was a comprehensive discussion of Chinese culture and the business environment in China. There was also a large selection of real-life case studies of Western companies that have failed in China, which could deepen understanding of how to avoid mistakes. Finally, the course aimed to find the right China entry strategies and business models.

The morning session focussed on “Negotiating with the Chinese: Cultural Roots & Practical Recommendations”, while the afternoon session discussed “Win in China: Business Models & China Entry Strategies”.

Gwenn Sonck, Executive Director, Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce, presented the opening remarks and introduction. Q&A about China and a networking session concluded the event.