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Reflections on China
By Richard Farmer, Product Development Manager ATG Airports
Now that I am back in the UK following the Photonics KTN mission to China, I have had a chance to reflect on my various visits to LED companies in the Shenzhen region.
Everywhere the mission visited we were treated with enthusiasm and openness and we felt that we were witnessing a fast moving and vibrant manufacturing community.
However, what was also clear was that the initial impressions perhaps gained from the exhibition, literature and the one-to-one interviews did not always match the experience from the site visits.
At the exhibition, some of the LED companies gave a good impression from their literature, products on display and also in the one-to-one interviews and when the relationships were explored further with a site visit, in the majority of instances, we were often pleased to find well organised and progressive companies. However on the odd occasion, some of the organisations we visited did not always match our expectations completely. Some companies where in a state of re-organisation and for these, a future visit would have been important to gain a true in-sight into their capabilities.
In gathering information about organisations, it was clear that at least one site visit would be essential to determine the suitability of a potential future relationship. Therefore to make a success of ‘doing business’ in these territories you will always need commitment, a vigilance and a dedication of resource.
My experience of the exhibition combined with site visits presented opposing views, a committed commercial relationship may present even further challenges.
I think that all those on the mission would agree that we expected something, but not what we saw. I look forward to returning to the area in the near future and seeing the result of their growth.
My experience of Shenzhen will always stay with me and would like to thank Alistair Wilson, Glenn Barrowman, Photonics KTN, Vince Chinye UK Trade & Investment and all those supporting our Chinese adventure.
Contact: Tel: +44 (0) 1788 566 203
Email: Richard.farmer@atgairports.com
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