About China
The Chinese market is a major market that cannot be ignored. However, it is a very difficult market to enter in and the success is not awaiting you around the corner without a well-thought business strategy! For this, we are closely collaborating with the China Association for Mechatronics Technology & Application (CAMETA) which is located in Beijing. Our collaboration goes back to the early 90s but was consolidated in 1999 by opening an office within the premises of CAMETA.
About CAMETA
This association is a nonprofit social economical and technological organization, voluntarily formed by the enterprises, institutes and groups engaged in the development and production of mechatronics technology and products. CAMETA, under the guidance and supervision of the China National Economic and Trade Commission, China Machinery Federation and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, serves as the adviser and the aide to the government in the development of mechatronics technology and products while building the bridge and the link between the government and the enterprises. Being approved by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, CAMETA was established in September 1989 in Beijing, China.
Challenges
Huge country
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’An are cities – for example – located within several hours by plane from each of other!
High technical expectation at a very low cost
A total support is expected (even beyond the scope of your own products). Furthermore, services and software should be “free of charge”.
Local competition is “low cost” and competition from abroad provides “total solutions”
For Small and Medium Enterprises, finding the right balance is not that easy.
Highly competitive market
China is not only the “world production center”, but more and more, the country where most of your competitors are active.
Language barrier
The misconception that English could be understood and used locally (even for a classic PPT presentation) can lead to big disappointments and, even, waste of time.
Motivation
China is the “world production center” and your customers are maybe active in China → there is a potential for new businesses.
For certain products, a technology transfer is possible (even partially) which could lead to new opportunities.