How can German companies succeed in China? This was the focus of the lecture given by Qiu Xuejun, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, at Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences.
Following introductory remarks by University President Prof. Heinz Köster and the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Dr. Stephan O. Hornig, as well as a welcome address by patron Dr. Carolin Fleischmann, the Consul General delivered an engaging lecture on China’s impressive economic and social developments and their significance for contemporary economic planning.
To provide context, he began with an overview of China’s historical development from a nation once dominated by an agrarian economy and characterized by relative poverty among its population. Through industrialization via a planned economy, high economic growth rates were achieved starting in 1949, leading to internationalization through economic liberalization in 1978 and increasing cooperation with Western companies. Since 2012, the world’s second-largest economy has been in a transition phase characterized by lower but stable growth rates. The high-tech sector (e.g., digitalization & automation, green energy, electrification) serves as a driver of innovation, with China striving for quality leadership in this field.
Referring to the government’s current five-year plan (2026–2030), Qiu Xuejun cited structural adjustments to new economic realities and a complex global environment as the greatest challenges in this regard. China is highly attractive to German and European companies as a sales market (1.4 billion citizens) and as a country with a large pool of skilled workers. At the same time, economic self-reliance is being promoted and efforts are being made to reduce dependence on global supply chains. For foreign companies, this means that China remains a challenging yet promising market.
Following the lecture, a lively discussion ensued in the packed lecture theatre, fuelled by insightful questions from the approximately 300 students, university staff and guests from other universities, as well as representatives from the business community. Education Consul Liu Qingwen and Economic Consul Zeng Xueyang assisted in answering questions regarding studying abroad, internships abroad and establishing a foothold in the Chinese market as a German company.
The Consul General (based in Munich) described Sino-German economic relations as a “win-win situation” in which both sides could learn from one another and benefit financially. He emphasised that long-term partnerships should be sought, with a focus on innovation and technological development, and that mutual respect should form the basis of economic relations. Intercultural understanding, he noted, is more important than ever in today’s world.
The Chinese guests expressed their willingness to continue supporting students interested in international exchange and cooperation. Many thanks to Ms Fleischmann and Ms Erlewein, who made this enriching lecture possible for the university community and will continue to promote fruitful exchange in the future.
