On 13 March , 2020, Business School Dean, Prof. Holger Haldenwang attained a China Bayern forum which was hosted by Shandong Economic and Trade Representative Office in Europe and co-organized by Bavarian and German Economic and Cultural Association, Jinan investment Promotion Bureau, Qingdao Bureau of Commerce and Investment Center of Yantai.
The Consul General of China in Munich, Mr. Zhang Yue, described the current economic and social problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which was attended by about 40 representatives of companies and official institutions. He pointed out that it is extremely important to interrupt the transmission chain, the experiences that China gained in connection with the SARS epidemic and General Secretary Xi Jinping's very successful and determined policy in connection with the corona virus, which makes it clear to all of us that the only way to prevent transmission is through isolation. He also pointed out that the situation in China was relatively unique, as at the beginning of the epidemic outbreak, it happened to be overlapping with the China’s Spring Festival, while (almost) all Chinese usually travel home to have reunions with their families. In a way, it is comparable to the German Christmas celebrations. This made it particularly challenging to trace the transmission routes associated with the millions of travelers and to interrupt the transmission chain of the virus. In any case, this required unique, rapid and consistent action. This is what is required from all nations as the pandemic now spreads worldwide, and it requires joint, concerted action. In addition to the associated social problems, there are also logically economic problems and we must do everything possible to prevent a global recession.
However, if we also look at the other side, he is convinced that once this epidemic is over, the problems will not only be overcome but may also lead to successful new business opportunities. For example, isolation-related in home offices can inevitably lead to different patterns of behavior. This gives promising opportunities to all kinds of business models related to telecommunications, Internet connections, software, etc. or related service activities, whether through new types of online games, online entertainment, all kinds of social media programs or even in the area of online delivery and service transactions.
In this respect, despite all the current concerns, the message should not fall into a depression, but rather look ahead now and continue to expand and deepen existing international relations. The leaders from Jinan, Qingdao and Yantai cities focused on the promotion and introduction of projects involving high-end chemical industry, new generation information technology and other industries, which aims to attract many overseas investors, and strengthen the economic and trade relations as well as cultural exchanges between China and Germany.
