Cork Chamber Makes Accessing China Easier for SMEs

1st July 2015

Chinese consumers represent up to 20 percent of the global consumer market and with online spending in China expected to reach up to a trillion dollars in the next five years, there has never been a better time for Irish companies to take advantage of this explosion in online activity. However accessing information about new markets such as China is not that easy for Irish SMEs. But thanks to an exciting new partnership between Cork Chamber and the EU SME Centre in Beijing, accessing support and information on China will now be easier.

Building on its strong relationships with local government and Chambers of Commerce in China, Cork Chamber is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the EU SME Centre in Beijing this month. Speaking about the MOU, Katherine Fitzpatrick, EU and Trade Manager in Cork Chamber, said: “This MOU commits us to working with the EU SME Centre in Beijing on collaborative events and initiatives that will provide invaluable information and support for Irish SMEs looking towards the Chinese market. The EU SME Centre is also a new partner in the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and therefore a perfect partner for Cork Chamber, who have also hosted the EEN project since its inception in 2008.”

Speaking from Beijing, Anne-Laure Maddy, Marketing and Communications Manager at the EU SME Centre, said: “The Centre can provide business support to Irish SMEs in a number of ways, from basic enquiry and market research services for companies wondering whether they are ready for China, right up to technical solutions and sector-specific workshops for companies that want to take their Chinese business activities one step further. We also run regular webinars on a variety of topics and SMEs signing up to our website will have access to a vast library of reports and information guides about the Chinese market.”

The first collaborative event between the EEN at Cork Chamber and the EU SME Centre, took place this week and focused on E-Commerce for SMEs. China expert Pablo Recio Gracia addressed issues such as internet and social media in China as well as behaviour and demand in the Chinese consumer. The SMEs present got an excellent overview of the pros and cons of online trading in China.

For more information on EEN supports and events contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie .

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