China Insights
China’s Growing Influence in Kazakhstan: Strategic Partners or Uneasy Neighbors?
Valeriya Morozhnikova
As a China expert originally from Kazakhstan, the topic of Sino-Kazakh relations holds both personal and professional importance for me. Being back in Kazakhstan for the first time in three years, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to delve into the latest developments surrounding China’s growing presence here.
Read More…Language: English
ESG in China: What European Companies in China Should Know
In recent years, topics related to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) have generated significant awareness in the Chinese economic and political spheres.
Read More…Language: English
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of International Business in China
In today’s global business landscape, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than a buzzword – it’s a key driver of success and sustainability.
Read More…Language: English
China Economy and Foreign Investment in 2024: Positive Signals amidst Heavy Challenges
In April, China released its economic data for the first quarter of 2024, sending positive signals of an improving economic landscape. Moreover, the Chinese government indicated the easing of regulations for foreign businesses seeking to invest in China. What does China’s economic outlook and investment signaling imply for international businesses in China for the second half of 2024 and what are the remaining challenges?
Read More…Language: English, German
China Business: China Brand Localization
Localizing Your Brand in China the Smart Way.
READ MORE…Language: English, German
China Business: The Art of Chinese Business Negotiations
Business in China: Understanding the Underlying Culture
How does Chinese culture shape business negotiations? What are the cultural differences encountered with Chinese business partners? A certain business-etiquettte is key for successful negotiatoins. In this article, we delve into the influential role of key concepts and characteristics within Chinese culture, illustrating their practical application in real-life business scenarios.
Read More…Language: English, German
Brand Crisis Management in China
Difficult geopolitical landscapes: Risks for international brands in China
What are the risks that international companies face regarding their brand in the Chinese market? And how are global brands perceived in connection with China on international markets? We’re exploring these questions in our current article on brand crises in China.
Read More…Language: English， German
China Internet Buzzwords
Business in China: A look into Chinese trending terms
Understanding the intricacies of the China marketplace requires a deep dive into Chinese culture and trends. Emerging internet buzzwords are a trend that is worth watching. It allows us to comprehend the attitudes and behaviors of young Chinese generations as they move forward with their lives. At the same time, it allows businesses in China to gain an understanding of Chinese consumers and society.
Read More…Language: English
China’s Growing Pet Industry
The burgeoning expansion of China’s pet market has led to double-digit growth rates. What trends are shaping the Chinese pet industry today? What pet products are popular among Chinese consumers?
Read more…Language: English
China Business: Decision Making Processes in Chinese Management
Cultural disparities inherently lead to distinct business approaches between China and Western countries. Understanding these differences equips us with valuable knowledge that can directly translate into more efficient cooperation with Chinese partners.
Read More…Language: English, German
Chinese Innovation vs. German Quality: Navigating Cultural Differences in International Project Management
Managing international projects between China and Germany brings with it many special challenges rooted in cultural differences. What are these challenges in doing business in China and how to deal with them?
Read More…Language: English
The Importance of Chinese Brand Naming
Having a Chinese brand name is crucial for businesses that aim to establish a presence in China or other Mandarin-speaking markets. While maintaining the original name may work in some countries, in China, having a Chinese brand name brings several critical benefits that can determine a company’s success or failure in the Chinese market.
Read More…Language: English
Social Commerce in China
Explore how social commerce in China, driven by platforms like Douyin and Pinduoduo, is revolutionizing online shopping and vastly surpassing the growth seen in Western markets.
Read More…Language: English
Post-pandemic consumer trends on Xiaohongshu: Insights for Brands
Read more…Language: English
Xiaohongshu 小红书: Chinese social media explained
In this short article, let‘s have a look at a popular Chinese app – 小红书 Xiaohongshu.
Read more…Language: English
China’s Outdoor Sports Industry Development Plan
Explore the increasing popularity of outdoor sports in China and learn how the Chinese government is fostering the growing consumer interest in outdoor activities.
Read more…Language: English
Diversity und “Schubladen überwinden”: China und Inspirationen für die interkulturelle Zusammenarbeit – Workshop
Dieser Workshop von Marianne Friese und Anja Ketels fokussiert sich auf China und bietet Denkanstöße und Inspirationen, um die eigenen „Schubladen“ zu überwinden und interkulturelle Zusammenarbeit erfolgreich zu gestalten.
Read More…Language: German
Lianghui – Two Sessions — China Snap-Shot
A detailed look on the 13th National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, held in 2020.
Read more…Language: English
Digital RMB – DC/EP – A new digital currency for China? Economic Impact of COVID-19 – Special Snap-Shot
Detailed information about the new digital currency being implemented in China starting in April/May 2020.
Read More…Language: English
Medical Monitoring and Border Closing China pulls ahead with strong measures – Special Snap-Shot
China pulls ahead with strong measures – Special Snap-Shot.
To enter an apartment complex or office space, people must first have their health code scanned.
Read More…Language: English
The End of the One-Child Policy
Chinese families with more than one child are rare – now the government hopes that having more children will become a trend.
Read More…Language: English
Panda-Huggers and Dragon-Fighters – Tips and Tricks for Professional Communication in China
In China, the language for any communications is Chinese. Even if some media are published in English, the lion’s share of online and offline information is published in simplified Chinese characters.
Read more…Language: English
Brand Names in China – A Wild Type
Die Marianne Friese Consulting GmbH (MFC) hat sich mit dem Naming und Branding von deutschen Produkten in China bereits einen Namen gemacht. Jetzt haben auch Jägermeister und Tannenzäpfle chinesische Namen.
Read More…Language: German
TV in China
Having provided quality market analysis and recommendations to TV companies such as Constantin and Plazamedia in the past, MFC is in an excellent position to connect with TV institutions at the highest levels.
In this insight, the structure and TV market of China in the year 2007 is analysed.
Read More…Language: English
Marketing and Communication in China: Hot and loud!
The literal translation of the Chinese expression “Re Nao” is “hot and loud” – according to Marianne Friese, this is what marketing has to be in China.
Read More…Language: English
MFC in the Media
German business community expects new opportunities
The Chinese news medium CRI reports on the CCC-China Communication Circle, which took place on March 14, 2024, in Würzburg. Around 100 business representatives participated in the event to shed light on the prospects of German-Chinese economic cooperation. It became evident that China plays an important role in cooperation in the fields of digitization, electromobility, artificial intelligence, and renewable energies. Dr. Anja Ketels, CO-CEO of MFC, delivered a keynote speech at the conference.
Media: CRI
Language: Chinese
China.Table – Heads: Dr. Anja Ketels
China.Table #775 on Dr. Anja Ketels – English classes as a stepping stone to China
Media: China.Table
Language: English, German
CHINAHIRN – Anja Ketels becomes General Manager
Wolfgang Hirn on Dr. Anja Ketels joining Marianne Friese as General Manager at MFC in issue #76 of Chinahirn.
Media: CHINAHIRN
Language: German
“Hirns Köpfe” in the CNBW: Portrait of Marianne Friese
An introduction of Marianne Friese and her story with MFC
„Gemeinsam arbeiten Marianne Friese und Anja Ketels momentan von Berlin aus an der Weiterentwicklung von MFC. […] Sie setzen dabei auf Recherche, Strategie-Entwicklung und Projekt-Management für Kunden vorrangig aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum.“
Media: “Hirns Köpfe” in the China Network Baden-Württemberg
Language: German
Shadow Boxing: Individual resistance in China – most of the time it‘s hidden
How to overcome resitance when doing business in China
Marianne Friese explains how resistance and a culture which avoids conflict require a high level of common sense in striving for harmonious solutions.
Media: Berlin Magazin
Language: German
Fascinated by never-ending Change
China Daily interviewed Marianne Friese on her experience in China.
She gives insight into her client assignments and troubleshooting matters in China.
Media: People’s Daily (Germany)
Language: German
German-Chinese Partnership: Pretty much best friends
Marianne Friese (and others) discuss the challenges of German companies and their communications departments when cooperating with Chinese Investors.
Media: PR Report
Language: German
Do’s & Dont’s: Panda-Hugging – not too often!
What are the traps when doing business in Asia? In four parts we explain the etiquette.
Part 4: Why you should neither talk good nor bad about smog.
Media: FAZ.net
Language: German
Do’s & Dont’s: “Active queing” in Asia
What are the traps when doing business in Asia? In four parts we explain the etiquette.
Part 3: Why politeness in China isn’t always a virtue.
Media: FAZ.net
Language: German
Do’s & Dont’s: Each deal – 20 to 30 business lunches
What are the traps when doing business in Asia? In four parts we explain the etiquette.
Part 2: Who wants to do business in China should be hard drinking.
Media: FAZ.net
Language: German
Do’s & Dont’s: Big gifts keep friends
What are the traps when doing business in Asia? In four parts we explain the etiquette.
Part 1: Communications with Chinese. A WMF-Cutlery as a gift can’t hurt.
Media: FAZ.net
Language: German
STOXX launches its new Chinese name
Learn more about the balance between uniqueness and simplicity as well as one of MFC’s latest naming projects.
Media: STOXX Pulse
Language: English
A “wild type” conquers China
Successful naming strategies in China or how to approach 1.3 billion people with your brand.
Media: Weser Kurier
Language: German
Comfortable Noodles
Marketing consultant Marianne Friese explains the most successful product brand in China.
Media: WirtschaftsWoche
Language: German
What you are missing without the “Ö”
About “Umlaute” in Chinese company names and MFCs naming project Jägermeister.
Media: Handelsblatt
Language: German
If you want to do the big things, you need to do the little things first
What does it take to be successful in China?
Media: ChinaContact
Language: German
The Right Way to Press
Siempelkamp’s 4-Concept in China: 9 Machines in 9 Months
Media: MDF-Magazine
Language: German, English
“Wild Character”, not “Medicinal Alcohol”
A summary of events at the first China Day delivered by IHK Darmstadt. Amongst others, Marianne Friese held a speech about Marketing in China.
Media: IHK-Report, IHK Darmstadt
Language: German
Marianne Friese Consulting Joins World Business Dialogue in Cologne
Marianne Friese held a workshop at the World Business Dialogue in Cologne focusing on target groups, marketing and branding in China. Hot topics during the forum included inspirations, ideas and discussion regarding the relevance of the China market during the financial crisis.
Media: GC Ticker (AHK China)
Language: English
Of Noble Steeds and how to reach your destination quickly
A backgrounder on brand names in China and the importance of their transliteration into Chinese, as well as an examination of the factors vital to the success of the Chinese brand name such as sound, associations and meaning.
Media: Business Focus China (Book)
Language: German
Wild Characters and Noble Steeds
A look on global brand names in China, such as Jägermeister, BMW, as well as an introduction to MFC’s brand localisation approach.
Media: Asia Aktuell
Language: German
There need to be oohs and aahs
On the fast paced development of public relations in China in the year 2007 – and how its different from the West.
Media: ChinaContact
Language: German
Brand Name Strategies for China
Getting the right brand name for Jägermeister and Rothaus Tannenzäpfle in China.
Media: ChinaContact
Language: German
Information is just a Commodity in China
On the fast paced development of public relations in China in the year 2007 – and how its different from the west.
Media: absatzwirtschaft – Zeitschrift für Marketing
Language: German
A Wild Type – Jägermeister’s path to a new brand name for the China market
The long road towards a new Chinese brand name for Jägermeister.
Media: Handelsblatt
Read More…Language: German, English
Only the Original brings Success
The VDMA kicks off a MFC pro-original campaign against product piracy in China and worldwide.
Media: ChinaContact
Language: German
Fighting for the Original
Marianne Friese talks about her VDMA campaign against product piracy in China and worldwide.
Media: Süddeutsche Zeitung
Language: German
Advertising and Media in China
Where should you advertise – TV or Radio, Business or Trade Magazine? A look on China’s mediascape in the year 2007.
Media: absatzwirtschaft – Zeitschrift für Marketing
Language: German
PR in China from the viewpoint of an experienced China hand
热闹 (“rè nao”) literally translates to “hot and loud”, which is what public relations in China must be, according to Marianne Friese. MFC supports companies such as Hoerbiger and Jägermeister in gaining a foothold in the Chinese market in terms of communication.
Media: JP Kom
Language: German
China – Prost To “Ye Ge”
Jägermeister on its new Chinese name developed by MFC.
“After conducting some competition research, market research and focus groups with consumers, bartenders and journalists, the name “Ye Ge” was born, whose meaning “wild character” suits the Jägermeister image and has made the herbal liqueur hip and trendy again in China.”
Media: jagermeister.com
Language: English
