The city of Taicang in east China's Jiangsu Province has witnessed remarkable transformation over the years, with over 500 German companies now calling it home as its booming industrial manufacturing sector has fostered robust growth.
Taicang, aptly dubbed the "town of German enterprises," has long focused on nurturing two key industries -- automotive parts and high-end equipment manufacturing. Today, an astonishing 70 percent of the components needed to build a car can be sourced locally -- a testament to the city's prowess.
Twelve years ago, renowned German machine tool giant, Chiron Group, settled in Taicang due to its proximity to Shanghai and its favorable business climate. Chiron went on to establish a manufacturing plant in this seemingly unassuming city.
The rising investments in Taicang have helped the city to keep up with the demands of the expansive German enterprises, from talent acquisition to sourcing local suppliers.
"You need engineering [people]. You need logistic people. You need assembly people. It was highly development, but it was also not easy to find the right supplier with the right quality level to support us," said Willi Riester, CTO of Chiron Machine Tool (Taicang) Co.
Riester said that collaboration between German and Chinese enterprises back then resembled a mentor-mentee relationship. However, with the growth of China's new energy vehicle companies in recent years, the relationship has evolved into a mutually beneficial partnership, marked by both collaboration and fierce competition.
"The last ten years there was really fast modernization. There is definitely now the Chinese machine tool market really catching up. There can be beneficial for German companies. Also when they can find some suppliers, they have also some technologies or those some ongoing innovation that they have developed which we can use. There is really a good kind of a win-win situation, but it is not in all fields. In some other fields, there is really some kind of hard competition. They develop, we develop. They develop, we develop. This is normal, and the best competition is who will win, who has the better idea?" said Riester.
Chiron Group is just one of the 500 German companies flourishing in Taicang. These enterprises not only reap the rewards of China's ongoing modernization, but also contribute significantly to its robust growth.
German companies have brought about a ripple effect that has changed local Chinese enterprises, helping them become top competitors on the global stage.
"In some industries, German companies remain the top ones, while in others, German companies have become apprentices, on the learning side. Chinese companies now are very capable, and their abilities and products outperform other international brands, such as electric cars. As we all know, China is the strongest market in this area. China is the world's top in this." said Marieke Bossek, general manager of German Center for Industry and Trade Taicang Co.
The effect brought about by German companies has propelled local Chinese enterprises to foster standardized and scaled production, adopting cutting-edge equipment, refined technologies, and high quality standards. It has also driven government departments to provide efficient and precise assistance to companies from both China and Germany.
Additionally, vocational education, whose priority was to serve German enterprises, has expanded into a vocational education industrial park, the country's first-of-its kind, supplying a talented workforce for the local industry.
Furthermore, Taicang has expanded its industrial ecosystem beyond the automotive supply chain. It aims to develop a modern industrial system known as "New Taicang" by nurturing forward-looking industries led by local enterprises in aviation, low-altitude economy, and aerospace, contributing to China's independent and high-quality development path.
Eastern Chinese city becomes hub for German companies, fostering industrial growth
Eastern Chinese city becomes hub for German companies, fostering industrial growth
A promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Spring Festival Gala has gained widespread attention in Guatemala, Honduras, and Pakistan, offering locals a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture and generating excitement for the event's upcoming live virtual broadcast.
The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been an annual tradition since 1983, airing live on Chinese New Year's Eve.
In Guatemala, the promo video for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala began airing on Sunday at major shopping centers across the capital, Guatemala City. This marks the second consecutive year that the promo has been showcased in the country.
Displayed on large screens both indoors and outdoors, the video captured the attention of shoppers and passersby in busy commercial districts, sparking interest in Chinese culture.
"I think it's great that technology is being used to help us learn more about China through social media," said David Aguilar, a resident. "For those of us interested in Chinese culture, no matter how far away we are, we always seek to stay connected to this rich cultural heritage, especially the traditions that have been passed down through history."
Fabian Lopez, another resident, expressed his excitement about the program: "Through the promos, I've learned how the celebration takes place. The culture is fascinating, and it's wonderful that we can connect via the internet to watch the entire celebration. I'm really looking forward to it and will be sure not to miss any of the broadcast. This year marks the Year of the Snake, if I'm not mistaken, and as for me, I was born in the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac."
The video has captured the attention of many who have never watched the program before, with many now eagerly looking forward to the live virtual broadcast of the Gala.
"Honestly, I've never watched the Spring Festival Gala before, but after seeing the promos, it looks absolutely beautiful. It's a great way to learn about Chinese culture through the arts, dance, and even elements of comedy and magic. I think it's wonderful that they share their history through such a spectacular show," shared Alejandro Calderon, another local resident.
David Gallo, another resident, remarked on the impact of cultural exchange: "It's truly impressive to arrive in Guatemala and connect with Chinese culture through the promotional videos. It's a gratifying experience that offers us a fresh perspective on the world from Latin America."
Meanwhile, in neighboring Honduras, the promotional video has been playing continuously in major commercial districts and transportation hubs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula since Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year it has been displayed in the country.
"My best wishes to China. I hope you have a wonderful year, continue to unite forces, and keep your beautiful culture alive. A big hug," said Yani Paola Gonzalez, a Honduran citizen.
Fellow Honduran Deyanira Romero offered her new year's wishes to the Chinese people: "I wish the people of China a happy new year, filled with love, prosperity, and peace."
In Pakistan, the promotional video has also been featured at several events celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Overseas Chinese Association, along with other local organizations, hosted the China-Pakistan Children's Spring Festival Gala in Islamabad, where the video was shown. The event also celebrated the successful UNESCO heritage listing of the Spring Festival, with hopes for a new chapter in China-Pakistan relations.
"This year, China's Spring Festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, turning it into a global celebration. We hope that events like this will help more Pakistani people, especially children, learn about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions," said Ma Bin, president of the Pakistan Chinese Education Association and organizer of the children's gala.
In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video was also displayed at the entrance to the country's only light rail, the Orange Line Metro, attracting passengers to pause and watch.
CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo captivates audiences in Guatemala, Honduras, Pakistan