DISCOVER THE BEST RIESLING IN THE WORLD - AHKs

s for Megacities in the Pearl River Delta
Dr. Appel initiated the discussion with the idea of utilizing public
utility systems for the services industry, e.g. using metro lines for
the transportation of goods. Since expanding megacities must offer
more efficient solutions to properly accommodate and comfort their
populations, this would help to relieve road traffic.
Mr. Liang Wengen, who recently acquired Germany’s Putzmeister
Group, famous for its concrete pumps, may serve as an example par
excellence for Sino-German cooperation. After becoming familiar
with the company as a business associate for several years, he
decided to take it over. Contrary to fears that the Chinese tycoon
might withdraw the money, he invested over EUR 100mn in R&D in
Germany and still shows no hesitancy to invest further.
Mr. Zou Chunsheng, General Manager of Beijing No. 1 Machine
Tool Plant, also displayed distinctive knowledge about Germany. His
expertise came not only in terms of business but, enjoyably, with
respect to the distinction between “Bavarians” and “Franks”, as well.
Ms. Wang Jing, President of Newland Group, showed intense
aspiration for improving Sino-German business relations, which
immediately led SAP’s CEO Snabe to propose closer cooperation -
an illustrative gesture of mutual understanding. With SAP offering
high-end software and IT-related solutions for business processes
and announcing a multi-year spending plan in November of last
year worth more than USD 2bn through 2015, Mr. Snabe again
emphasized the expectations and potential in the Chinese market.
China’s commitment to evolve from a simple manufacturer to a global
hub of innovation will require advanced software and technology that
SAP can provide.
As a well-known expert on issues concerning resources and energy,
Mr. Ulrich Grillo, Chairman of Grillo-Werke AG, raised the concern
that “Mittelständler” are often particularly vulnerable to trade
restrictions and hinted at difficulties in supplies with rare earths, to
mention one prominent example.
After the panel discussion, Professor Hans Heinrich Driftmann,
President of “Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammertag (DIHK)”,
his umbrella association covering a membership of 3.6mn German
companies, highlighted the importance of sustainable urban
development. Claiming that “megacities of the future require
intelligent traffic management, an operational power grid as well
as universal Internet access,” he provided the audience with specific
ideas for smart solutions and additionally emphasised the importance
of green growth.
Having led throughout the event, Mr. Holger Sindemann, Chairman of
the German Chamber of Commerce in China • South and Southwest
China, invited the attending Chinese and German companies of the
Pearl River Delta to a well-received networking event. He summarised
the get-together as follows: “The visit of Federal Chancellor Angela
Merkel was unique for Guangzhou – so was the Economic Forum
organized by the German Chamber. I thank the Chamber for making
this event possible.”
www.china.ahk.de
April - May 2012
85