On June 25, Ms. Li Yiran (李怡燃), the Chief Representative of Berlin in China, had the pleasure of participating in the GlobalTechNetwork (Hefei) event, hosted by Plug and Play and Grand Union of Innovation (GUI).
The event brought together innovation leaders, marketing strategy consultants, lawyers, and government representatives with one shared goal: strengthening the international competitiveness of local companies and supporting them on their journey into global markets.
Ms. Li Yiran delivered a keynote speech titled "Berlin – Your Gateway to Europe," in which she highlighted Germany's strategic role within the EU market. Berlin boasts a vibrant start-up ecosystem and is regarded by some as a strategic entry point for companies seeking to expand into the European market. A wide range of support is available from both the German and Berlin programs. She noted that the European Union, as a mature and highly regulated single market with strong purchasing power, presents both significant opportunities and challenges. To ensure success, companies must be well-prepared, adaptable, and informed.
There is an increasing interest among Chinese companies in engaging with foreign markets. During the networking session, many startups expressed strong interest in expanding to Germany and Europe, asking practical questions about company setup, market entry strategies, and first steps.
The Berlin Business Desk China sincerely expresses the gratitude to Plug and Play China for their gracious invitation and for organizing such an inspiring event that connects innovation, entrepreneurship and international collaboration. Looking ahead, we stand ready to further collaborate and to build strong connections between Berlin and China.