Insights

China Insights

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.

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Language: English

24.07.2024

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.

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Language: English

26.06.20204

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?

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Language: English, German

18.06.2024

China Business: China Brand Localization

Localizing Your Brand in China the Smart Way.

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Language: English, German

30.04.2024

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. 

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Language: English, German

26.02.2024

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.

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Language: English, German

01.02.2024

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.

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Language: English

12.01.2024

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?

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Language: English

18.12.2023

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.

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Language: English, German

15.10.2024

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? 

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Language: English

08.08.2023

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. 

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Language: English

29.04.2023

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.

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Language: English

22.05.2023

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.

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Language: English

08.04.2023

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.

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Language: English

01.02.2023

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.

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Language: German

17.04.2021

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.

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Language: English

22.05.2020

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.

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Language: English

07.05.2020

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.

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Language: English

27.03.2020

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.

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Language: English

01.02.2016

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.

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Language: English

01.06.2014

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.

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Language: German

01.03.2007

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.

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Language: English

01.02.2007

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.

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Language: English

01.01.2007

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

15.03.2024

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

20.02.2024

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

17.01.2024

“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

01.06.2022

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

02.10.2015

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

31.08.2015

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

01.11.2014

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

06.06.2014

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

05.06.2014

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

04.06.2014

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

03.06.2014

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

01.06.2014

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

23.04.2014

Comfortable Noodles

Marketing consultant Marianne Friese explains the most successful product brand in China.

Media: WirtschaftsWoche

Language: German

10.02.2014

What you are missing without the “Ö”

About “Umlaute” in Chinese company names and MFCs naming project Jägermeister.

Media: Handelsblatt

Language: German

28.08.2013

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

01.09.2010

The Right Way to Press

Siempelkamp’s 4-Concept in China: 9 Machines in 9 Months

Media: MDF-Magazine

Language: German, English

01.04.2010

“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

23.09.2009

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

01.04.2009

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

31.01.2009

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

01.02.2008

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

01.01.2008

Brand Name Strategies for China

Getting the right brand name for Jägermeister and Rothaus Tannenzäpfle in China.

Media: ChinaContact

Language: German

01.07.2007

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

01.06.2007

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

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Language: German, English

31.05.2007

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

01.05.2007

Fighting for the Original

Marianne Friese talks about her VDMA campaign against product piracy in China and worldwide.

Media: Süddeutsche Zeitung

Language: German

18.04.2007

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

01.04.2007

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

01.12.2006

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

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