Magazine_October_2023

GUEST COLOMN
Sam.
Our first meeting was way back in 2012, and I was running
my first business and figuring out how to run it. Menno and
I got introduced to each other due to being in similar fields,
and we talked for a lengthy period, and I liked that his
mindset didn't feel European but had more of an Oriental
approach. He understood the culture and values of China
in an instant. That has always been the basis for success
in our country. Without a good understanding from the
start, you can easily forget it. There are differences in
communication between our Chinese culture and Western
culture. In China, we often use implicit and euphemistic
language to express different ideas and viewpoints,
emphasizing respect for others' feelings.
Sam Guo
Owner of Guangdong Fusheng Trading Co., Ltd.
China
‘There are differences
in communication
between our
Chinese culture
and Western culture’
In contrast, communication in Western it is more direct,
open and straightforward, and people pay more attention
to expressing their opinions and attitudes. For example,
in China, people like to say their views implicitly, such as
"maybe", "I'm not sure", and so on. In contrast, Westerners will
pay more attention to expressing their thoughts and opinions
directly and clearly. After this first meeting, we started doing
business with Aartsen, as people must understand the culture.
For example, team Aartsen will greet us in the group during
Chinese New Year and different festivals. This sense of
identity makes our relationship with Aartsen closer.
In our exchanges and communication, we also learned brand
awareness from Aartsen. Together we created an excellent
brand like Grandezza in China. After that, Fusheng also created
some of our brands in China to promote domestic fruits.
The feedback was valuable. At the same time, we also want
to learn about Aartsen's experience managing the company
to make our business go further. We had many discussions
with Menno and his team on how to run our company and
the strategy in the longer term.
Unknowingly, we have been working together for 11 years and
encountered difficulties during these 11 years. For example,
the three years of COVID-19 have been a test for everyone,
but we have survived through the efforts of both parties.
Our two companies are like brothers, although one is
Chinese and the other is European. But we can all respect
each other's culture and learn from each other; I believe
our friendship can last forever.
CULTURES | 49