China Outlook for 2024: A Perspective from German Companies

China Outlook for 2024 A Perspective from German CompaniesIn the latest Business Confidence Survey (BCS) conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce in China, findings reveal a complex landscape of opportunities, challenges, and strategic shifts among German businesses operating in China. Conducted between September and October 2023, the survey engaged 566 member companies, offering a comprehensive insight into the German business sentiment within the Chinese market.Despite a slower-than-expected economic recovery with 52% of German companies that have been surveyed stated a decline in their industry, China’s importance to the German economy remains undiminished. As Germany’s most important trading partner for …

Navigating the Skies: An Overview of the Thriving China Aviation Industry

Navigating the Skies: An Overview of the Thriving China Aviation Industry In recent decades, the China aviation industry has soared to new heights, transforming itself into a global powerhouse. Marked by remarkable growth, strategic investments, and technological advancements, China’s aviation sector has become a key player in the global aerospace arena. This overview will delve into the important specifications of the China aviation industry, exploring key factors that have fuelled its rise and examining the industry’s impact on both domestic and international fronts.Aviation Industry Clusters in China: A Symphony of Innovation The aviation industry in China has witnessed significant growth …

Navigating Complexities: EAC’s Global Sourcing Chronicles

Navigating Complexities: EAC’s Global Sourcing ChroniclesIn recent years, EAC has supported multiple companies in global and regional strategic souring projects across various industries, including industrials, mobility, building & construction, energy and environment, chemicals, and consumer goods. While executing these sourcing projects, we have encountered unique challenges and unexpected opportunities. With this article we would like to summarize select observations and learnings of our EAC sourcing experts.Rising Importance of Sustainable Sourcing Practices In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainability is no longer a secondary concern; it is an integral part of a successful business strategy. We observed this while assisting a leading …

Shared Service Center – Rising cost pressure and drive for automation

Shared Service Center – Rising cost pressure and drive for automationShared Service Center established themselves as a valuable growth opportunity for multinational companies by reducing personnel expenses as well as embracing standardization and harmonization within complex global company structures. However, the Covid-19-pandemic, rising costs due to high inflation rates and more advanced automation solutions shuffled the playing field and its environmental conditions. For instance, home office demands have become common practice for Shared Service Center (SSC) in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.Poland stands out as the largest player for SSC in CEE commanding a 69% market share, with high …

Charting China’s Course: A Journey Towards Openness

Charting China’s Course: A Journey Towards OpennessIn 2023, China witnessed a commendable growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), achieving a 5.2% expansion for the year. This growth not only aligned with the government’s annual target but also showcased a robust performance, especially in the fourth quarter, where the year-on-year GDP surged to 5.3%, surpassing the 4.9% recorded in the third quarter. Despite these positive indicators, the Chinese government is gearing up to provide additional support to its economy and trade in 2024. In this EAC Executive Briefing, we will delve into the significant developments that unfolded in the latter …

The Future: India’s Construction Equipment Industry thrives on Sustainability and Innovation Trends

Building the Future: India’s Construction Equipment Industry thrives on Sustainability and Innovation TrendsThe construction equipment industry in India is about to undergo a significant transformation. An expanding economy, rising urbanization, and large-scale infrastructure projects have all contributed to an increase in the need for construction equipment. The industry recorded the sales of 107 thsd units in FY’23 and is expected to grow at 7% CAGR during FY23-30. It is world’s 3rd largest market and is currently valued at 6.1 bln EUR with earthmoving equipment segment being the majority contributor at 72% share.Key Growth Drivers: Infrastructure Development Projects: Large-scale government initiatives …

Outsourcing of non-core activities to developing Innovation hubs

Outsourcing of non-core activities to developing Innovation hubs: The new Shared Services concept in practiceTo focus on core business competencies without impeding the flow of non-core activities while achieving cost efficiencies, businesses have been setting up shared services centers (SSCs) since 1980s but over the years, the model has evolved to adapt better to changing business requirements. From Shared Services Centers (SSC) to Global Competence Centers (GCC) and Global Business Services (GBS), service delivery model encompassing outsourcing, captive shared services as well as centers of excellence (COEs) for serving various business units have been the guiding pillars to offer centralized expertise …

Automechanika Shanghai 2023

Automechanika Shanghai 2023The China Auto After-sales Market Entrepreneurs Boundless Summit and AMR High-end Cocktail Party were successfully held in Shanghai. The event adopted a comfortable, free, and open „TED TALK“ speech format to disseminate leading-edge thinking and establish a platform for top-level management discussions. Our Managing Consultant, Ms. Addie Wei, delivered a speech titled „The Roadmap of Chinese OEMs Going Global and Opportunities in the Chinese After-sales market.“In her presentation, Ms. Wei highlighted that, with the continuous growth in market share of intelligent electric vehicles, the relationship between car companies and after-sales service providers is undergoing a reshaping process. This …

Smart Energy Expo 2023

Smart Energy Expo 2023As a co-organizer, EAC actively participated in the series of smart energy conferences, including the Sino-Japanese and other countries Hydrogen Energy Industry and New Energy Vehicle Collaborative Development Forum. During this event, our esteemed partner, Mr. Daniel Berger, and Managing Consultant, Ms. Addie Wei, delivered insightful speeches on their respective areas of expertise.Mr. Berger’s presentation centered on the current developmental status and future trends of the global hydrogen energy industry. He emphasized frontier technological advancements and market developments across various countries. Mr. Berger highlighted the incorporation of hydrogen energy into the vital national energy development strategic plans …

Indian Biodiesel Industry Outlook

Indian Biodiesel Industry Outlook: Navigating Growth, Policy Dynamics, and Investment OpportunitiesIndia is the 3rd largest crude oil consuming nation globally accounting for 262 mio tons in FY 2023 with 89% demand met by imports from Russia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. High speed diesel consumption is estimated at 39.3 mio tons in FY 2023 of which ~87% is used by transport industry and rest 13% by industry, agriculture, and power generation. Diesel consumption is expected to reach ~105 mio tons by FY 2030 mainly driven by increased industrialization, urbanization, infrastructure development, and rising vehicle sales.To reduce dependency on imports and meet …

Global Wind Turbine Manufacturing & Supply Chain Challenges

Global Wind Turbine Manufacturing & Supply Chain ChallengesHow to boost competitiveness and balance risks? Wind energy it one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world driven by supportive legislations in the US, the European Union, India and China yet spare capacity is limited and will likely disappear by 2026.Wind energy is one of the best source to alleviate the pain and challenges of climate change. With the increasing demand of global electricity, which is forecasted to grow by 25% and reach ~30k TWh1) by 2030, development and utilization of wind plus other renewable energy sources are indispensable and have …

India and ASEAN – Investment Destinations

India & ASEAN – Investment DestinationToday I had the honor to share my views on India and ASEAN as important investment destinations for foreign and especially Swiss investments. Swiss Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into ASEAN accounted for > 6bn USD last year making it one of the most important destinations for the Swiss Confederation. Additionally, more than 350 Swiss companies are invested in India of which 50% have substantial manufacturing facilities. With a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on the horizon, the momentum for Swiss-Indian investments is thriving.  Thanks to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG) – for organizing …