Membership voice, November - December 2005
I have just been to China for TWI - twice in three months actually. The first visit was for a seminar in Beijing organised by the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society to introduce TWI to potential Members in China, and then later to follow up on the initial contacts with more detailed discussions.
I had never been to the mainland of China before and my first trip was a revelation. Modern buildings, wide avenues, an efficient motorway network, new shopping malls, large smart cars, mobile phones and digital cameras were everywhere. I was very surprised at the level of development, the people's disposable income, the impression of wealth. But I was still in denial. Somehow, they had made Beijing into a showcase, preparing for the 2008 Olympics and all this modernity and wealth was artificial, a façade hiding economic problems elsewhere.
For my second, longer, visit (almost three weeks), I also visited Langfang, Shanghai, Hefei, Xi'an and Chongqin, giving me a more balanced view of China today - and I have to admit that other Chinese cities were just as developed as Beijing. In fact Beijing's wealth appeared modest in comparison with Shanghai whose stunning waterfront and buzz of activity reminded me of Hong Kong.
From a business point of view, I found Chinese engineers and managers willing to invest in western R & D, technical consultancy, training and high technology and prepared to pay western prices. The quality of domestic products appeared to be variable, ranging from excellent to poor. Customer service, however, was always excellent, and I could appreciate a deep rooted sense of hospitality towards visitors. Meetings followed an agreed agenda, and ran with a remarkable punctuality. Some of the companies I visited had world class R & D facilities. Those which had more modest facilities had ambitious investment plans to acquire technology and know-how.
I came back to the UK several weeks ago. A few days later, we received the Membership contract from one of the largest steel makers in China. I am confident that it is the first of many new Members from China. I honestly believe it is also the beginning of a new chapter in the history of TWI. We are now planning the opening of an office in Beijing next year, and a Chinese national has now been recruited in the Membership department to assist with communication with the vast Chinese industry.
Zhenyun Shi is a Materials' graduate from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, who has just finished her MEng at the Queen Mary University, London. She joined TWI on 3 October as a sector manager, Membership business development, and will lead the development of TWI activities in China. After six months induction at TWI Abington, Ms Shi will relocate to TWI in Beijing.
China might be a threat or an opportunity for your business, but I believe you cannot afford to ignore her.
TWI is treating China with the respect it deserves. For me this is proving to be a fascinating and highly enjoyable experience.
Fred Delany - Head of Industrial Member Services
