In a time of slow growth and saturated markets, China is the motor of the world's economy. No one with global ambitions can afford to overlook China. Yet equally, China is not business as usual as Western firms would traditionally understand it. There are risks which Europeans may be unfamiliar with, as currently demonstrated by the fast-evolving business impact resulting from the novel coronavirus. But there are also extraordinary opportunities. From supply chains to intellectual property, from maintaining a local workforce to understanding marketing and distribution channels, China does it differently.

Together with the Swiss Re Institute, we would like to invite you to meet an exclusive group of experts on 18 March 2021 at the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue in Rüschlikon to explore what it takes to master the Chinese market and which pitfalls to avoid.

Space at the conference is limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.


Programm Details

12:00
Optional standing lunch
13:00
Welcome and introduction
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  • H.E. Geng Wenbing, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Switzerland
  • Guido Fürer, Group Chief Investment Officer and Country President Switzerland, Swiss Re
  • Felix M. Sutter, President, Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce

13:30
Succeeding in today's China
Ronnie C. Chan, Chairman, Hang Lung Group Limited
14:00
Understanding China's next wave of innovation
Mark Greeven, Professor of Innovation and Strategy, IMD
14:30
The relations between Switzerland and China: A success story
State Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, SECO Director and Director of the Foreign Economic Affairs Directorate
14:45
Transfer to breakout sessions
14:50
Breakout sessions
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Managing subsidiaries in China: The headquarter and the subsidiary views – a conflict?
Andreas R. Herzog, General Partner, CUBIC RIFF Ventures

How to make start-ups China-ready
Nicolas Musy, Founding Partner, China Integrated Co. Ltd.

How to address the Chinese market via WeChat and other social media platforms
Stefan Altorfer, CEO, Alpine Cabin Trading AG
Thomas Hanan, Founder and CEO, Webrepublic AG

How to find YOUR ideal partner in China to make your market entry/ market presence sustainably successful
Felix M. Sutter, President, Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Zhen Xiao, CEO, Swiss Centers

15:40
Coffee break
16:00
The Chinese social credit system for business: What is it and why is it relevant for Swiss companies?
Paul Thaler, Managing Partner, Wenfei Law
16:30
Mastering the Chinese legal system: Data protection and intellectual property
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  • Livia Andermatt, Senior Associate, Meyerlustenberger Lachenal AG
  • Rolf Auf der Maur, Partner, VISCHER AG

17:00
Failing to succeed: Practical insights and lessons learned from some who made it in China
Claudia Masüger, Founder and CEO, CHEERS
17:35
Closing interview
18:00
Standing networking dinner
19:30
End of event
Succeeding in today's China: What companies need to know to enter the world's fastest expanding economy
March 18, 2021
13:00-19:30
Zurich
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additional info

This event is free of charge.

This event is co-hosted by Swiss Re Institute and the Swiss Chinese Chamber of Commerce.