In 2015, the Chinese economy has experienced its lowest growth rate since the last 25 years, going along with strong devaluation of the renminbi and falling Chinese stocks. Although numerous sources have therefore expressed their concerns about the sustainability of the Chinese growth model, it is necessary to consider that the planned 6.5% minimum growth rate announced by the Chinese government for the next five years is still high compared to most industrialized countries. Furthermore, the absolute growth of China´s GDP from USD47 trillion in the first decade of the 21st century to USD50 trillion until 2015 does not fail to impress.

The term “New Normal” is used to describe the transformation of the Chinese economy from a rather quantity-focused to a more quality-orientated strategy, which will consequently lead to a soft landing in terms of GDP growth rates. As labour costs in China rise to an all-time high an increasing emphasis is put on household consumption and the service sector, moving away from an export-led growth model. The implementation of new structural reforms aims at reducing income inequality between Chinese households, encouraging consumption and therefore strengthening labour market flexibility. This strategy should ensure the successful transition for China to a consumption-based growth model and therefore to reach the economic goals stated in the new five-year plan.

For the German economy, the transformation process of Chinese economy includes risks as well as new opportunities. With China being Germany´s fourth biggest destination for exports worldwide, its market changes lead to immediate effects for the German GDP. According to the German central bank, an economic slowdown in China implies a serious risk for growing losses for German companies. Nevertheless, China´s increasing focus on high-technology and environmental solutions will likely benefit exports of specialized German companies in the future.

Program (tentative)

14:00     Moderation by Thomas Scheler, General Manager, DCW GmbH – A Subsidiary of German-Chinese Business Association (DCW)

14:10     Introduction: Latest Trends in EU-China Economic Relations by Silke Besser, General Manager, German-Chinese Business Association (DCW)

14:30     M&A China and Germany – Latest Trends and Ways to Success by Frank-Christian Raffel, Co-founder and Managing Partner, MelchersRaffel Ltd.

15:00     Protecting and Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights in China by Erik Schäfer, Partner, COHAUSZ & FLORACK Patent Attorneys and Attorneys-at-law

15:30     “One Road, One Belt”: Linking Europe and Hong Kong by Michael Ries, Marketing Manager, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

16:00     Intercultural Communication: Business Etiquette in different Regions of China by Wu You, General Manager, WUYOU GmbH

16:30     Q&A with all Speakers
17:00     Get Together at DCW International Joint Booth (Hall 3, H02)

Participation is free of charge for visitors of HANNOVER MESSE 2016. Registration is required. Please register via email: registration@dcw-gmbh.de

Visit the International Joint Booth „Doing Business with China“ in Hall 3, H02! For more information about other activities at HANNOVER MESSE 2016 please visit:
www.dcw-ev.de/hannovermesse