This annual seminar, presented in cooperation with Fudan University, was created to meet the challenges faced by international companies when establishing their businesses in China. Participants are executives from a wide range of industries looking to develop and broaden their knowledge of and relationship with the Chinese business community. In 2011 we had attendees from Norway, Sweden, Germany and Lithuania.
Video from the 2011 seminar:
February 28th: Fudan University Campus
The seminar kicked off with a scenic walking tour of the Fudan campus, including a visit to the university historic museum.
This informative segment was followed by a session in the Nordic Centre, where Mr. Teemu Naarajärvi, Programme Manager of Nordic Centre and Professor Chen Yinzhang, Director of Foregin Affairs Office introduced us to the Nordic Centre and its activities.
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Professor Chen Zhimin gave a fascinating lecture on “China’s Foreign Relations in a Multi-Polarizing World”, with a focus on China’s relationship with the EU, USA and developing countries. Professor Zhimin stressed the need for both China and other counties to cooperate to find common solutions to common problems.
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We then met Bjørn Naglestad, General Manager of Jotun China who outlined the company’s development, their experiences and future strategy for Jotun in Asia. He emphasized the importance of Jotun’s values which are manifest in all of the company’s operations.
Bella Lee, Assistant Concept Manager, Infra-structure Projects, provided her perspective on being a young, Chinese trainee in the Norwegian company. Having traveled extensively, she also spent six months in Norway at the company’s head quarters, and experienced the enormous difference between the metropolis Shanghai to quiet Sandefjord.
After a delicious lunch at 365 Restaurant, Professor Zhou Dunren presented “Highlights of Current Chinese Economy”. His lecture initiated interesting discussions topics as varied as China��s education system and transportation system.
In the final session of the day, Professor Peng Xizhe, “The Demographic Dynamics and Socioeconomic consequences in China”, focused on China’s population growth’s impact on use of natural resources
Wednesday, March 2nd: Company visits in Suzhou
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Laerdal Medical
General Manager Michael Young lead an engaging tour of Laerdal’s medical training equipment manufacturing fascilities.
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Laerdal has over the years established sales operations in 23 countries and manufacturing and R&D operation units in four different locations. The company has 1400 employees.
Hydro Aluminum
Established in 2005, the wholly owned plant is part of Hydro's global network of precision tubing sites, serving automotive customers and customers in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry. The plant manufactures drawn and extruded tube and micro-port extrusions for heat transfer applications.
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Mr. Herbert Hoeloer, Managing Director introduced us to Hydro’s operations in Suzhou industrial park.
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Both Laerdal Medical and Hydro Aluminum described their focus on creating a family feeling at work for their employees, which helps develop loyalty and fight high turnover
Thursday, March 3rd: Visit to Bao Steel
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Bao Steel is one of the largest steelworks in the world. BI Alumni and Director of the Steel-Making Plant Mr. Zheng Yiyu, gave an introduction to Bao Steel and the industry, followed by a visit to the steel production facilities.
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Thursday evening concluded with a spectacular dinner at South Beauty 881 Restaurant sponsored by BI Alumni.
We were lucky to be joined by about 25 Chinese BI Alumni and a great time was had by all networking and socializing.
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Friday March 4th: School of Management, Fudan University
In his lecture “Chinese Economy. An Overview”, the charismatic Professor Wang Xiaozu provided insights in to main elements in Chinese economy, with focus on key factors for economic success.
Vidar Andersen from DNB NOR: “China’s Financial Sector – Before and After the Crisis” outlined the current trends, including the world’s top bands now being Chinese. He described the development in Chinese business as going west (inland), going out (Africa) and going up (in the value chain).
In the afternoon, Professor Zhao Youzhen lectured on “Trends and Challenges of Chinese Firms’ Internationalization”. While Chinese multinationals are increasingly present in the global market, most companies are at early stages of internationalization, with a long way to go. Professor Youzhen outlined some of the major constraints facing these companies, while remaining positive regarding Chinese company’s contribution to the world economy.
Saturday, March 5th
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The Taichi performance by a Chinese martial arts champion had all participants moving first thing in the morning!
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“China – The Road Towards Rule of Law”, by Geir Sviggum, Managing Partner in Wikbor Rein and Chairman for Norwegian Business Association Shanghai was cancelled due to illness.
After six days with a rich and diverse program, our participants came back with glowing reviews and overwhelmingly positive feedback. The solid academic program in combination with highly relevant company visits prepared our executives for future business relations with China.
A big thanks to the BI Liaison Office at Fudan University and professors Rolv Petter Amdam og Jon Erland Lervik from BI Norwegian Business School for creating an excellent program and an unforgettable week for everyone involved.
Please join us for our Shanghai seminar in 2012. For more information, please visit our seminar page.
