Ling Chaoxiang and Helen Tu
The European Trade Centre (ETC) project, which is currently under development in the Chinese city of Tianjin, was recently unveiled in Macau, with its representatives emphasizing the business opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The ETC will open in May next year, aiming to accommodate European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) wanting to expand their businesses into mainland China.
In a seminar organized last week in Macau by Delta Bridges, the European Trade Centre’s CEO, Mr Ling Chaoxiang, explained that Tianjin is looking to become a true international city, therefore they’re hoping to bring in more Western products to China through the ETC project.
Different local companies bringing European products to Macau showed interest in expanding into Tianjin, being particularly eager to hear further details on tax benefits and the visa granting process.
The European Trade Centre in Tianjin comprises of an area of 430,000 square meters, including commercial, offices, hotel and residential sites. Located in the Binhai New Area, ETC is looking to help European SMEs already established in China to further expand their businesses, or to assist those who wish to explore the Chinese market for the first time.
Target sectors include food and beverage, fashion, handicrafts, as well as furniture and home ware. Moreover, European-style restaurants, bars and leisure, education and culture facilities are also in the plans.
European SMEs may explore this project by selling their products directly to ETC, by establishing a joint venture or setting up a wholesale operation within the ETC’s premises.
Replying to local entrepreneurs’ questions, ETC consultant Helen Tu explained that – since the Tianjin government has given the project its full support – there will be tax benefits, as well as easier customs clearance. “The government is fully supporting us, thus it will be easier to get your products into China,” she said.
When it comes to granting visas for European SMEs’ workers, she explained that the ETC team will provide assistance throughout the process. In addition, since the government is committed to turning Tianjin into an international city, she hinted that it could play in favor of foreigners seeking working permits.
Helen Tu also stressed that the ETC is working towards engaging in effective communication with potential investors. “We have an international team, who can speak several languages, thus lowering misunderstandings for foreigners [wanting to be part of ETC],” she said, adding that “sometimes it is difficult for foreigners to do business in China,” due to language and cultural differences.
More than introducing “made in Europe” products to Chinese customers, the project has also been designed to sprinkle a bit of the European lifestyle into Tianjin, said Helen Tu.
Tianjin is a coastal city near Beijing and ETC will be located in the Airport Economic Area (AEA). According to the Tianjin government, the AEA already includes over 10,000 companies, mainly working within the civil aviation industry. As the first large European center selling European imported products, ETC is hoping to attract thousands of buyers.
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