CHINA Infinite Opportunities CONTRACTUAL RESEARCH Research Project Maastricht
Contractual research Research Project Maastricht conducts quality research in which it aspires to meet the unique demands of your company. The project focuses on investigating business opportunities for internationally orientated companies, varying from small and medium sized firms to multinational enterprises. In previous years, RPM has performed various kinds of research, including market and sector analyses, competitive analyses, identification of investment opportunities, new distribution channels and possible new business partners. Before departure to China, fundamental research is carried out in the Netherlands. Your company will be regularly informed and updated on the progress. In order to ensure the highest quality research, the current economic, political, legal and cultural environment of China is analysed. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the long term prospects and economic opportunities of the country is provided. Our strengths infinite opportunities CHINA According to recent IMF figures, China has claimed the title of the world s largest economy. It is unambiguous that the country s economic boom is catalysed by its engagement with foreign partners. The relation between the Netherlands and China dates back to the 17th century and has proven to be particularly productive. The Netherlands is currently the tenth-largest investor in China worldwide and the third largest European investor after Germany and France. Accordingly, China s enormous, increasingly prosperous domestic market and its expected future economic development offer a unique investment and trade destination for Dutch companies. All of the nine focus sectors identified by the Dutch government as fundamental to Dutch international trade and investment are strongly represented in China, offering opportunities to businesses from a wide range of sectors. Moreover, in line with the Chinese go-west governmental policy, investment opportunities arise for Dutch companies who are willing to expand beyond the economically developed east-coast. Research Project Maastricht (RPM) can assist your company in exploring the endless business opportunities in both the developed and developing regions that China has to offer. Research Project Maastricht Research Project Maastricht, a student initiative supported by Maastricht University, aims to successfully conduct company specific research on a non-profit basis. RPM is carried out annually and is best suited to companies with international ambitions and a global orientation. RPM consists of a multidisciplinary team with twelve carefully selected top students in the final phase of their studies. The team members competences range from tax and legal to economic and international business studies. Since 1989, RPM has performed research in emerging economies including Brazil, Vietnam, India and Indonesia. From January to April 2016, the RPM team is eager to investigate, explore and evaluate opportunities for your business in China. Being an independent, non-profit foundation, RPM is able to offer high quality professional research tailored to your company s needs at cost price. The team members are young and highly motivated professionals, trained by widely recognized consultancy firms and multinationals. The team members are carefully selected from a large pool of applicants and possess the latest academic and technical knowledge as well as the cultural skills required to successfully work in an international business environment. The team s diverse educational background guarantees that the research will be conducted from a multifaceted perspective. Our expertise covers the fields of tax, legal and business studies. Ten months of intensive preparation ensures that team members possess all country- and business-specific knowledge required to successfully conduct the research. Four months of research on location in China provides access to first-hand data and the flexibility to carry out in-depth research, enhancing the outcome of the project. RPM has more than twenty-five years of successful research experience, delivering high-quality research targeted at specific issues of importance to your company. RPM offers a unique combination of recent academic knowledge, practical skills and company-specific research. The Board of Advisors consists of senior business leaders and university professors who provide RPM with an extensive network and country-specific knowledge.
Your business opportunities in China With growth rates varying between 6% and 13% the Chinese economy has performed extremely well over the past two decades. In the process it has developed from a manufacturing giant to a country of increasing knowledge and innovation. With an expected growth rate of 7,5% for the upcoming years being considered as the new normal, China is clearly transitioning to a more sustainable business platform providing numerous opportunities. Currently, over a thousand Dutch companies are active in the Chinese market. The government s efforts to open up more of the Chinese market, an upcoming consumer market, as well as improvements in the infrastructure and the legal framework will guarantee unprecedented possibilities and a thriving business climate for a wide range of Dutch enterprises. Examples of former research PSV N.V. Market research in China to recognize opportunities and strengths in order to determine a successful merchandise strategy. Koninklijke Vopak Research on the palm oil industry in Pará, Brazil. The current market and the future developments were analysed in order to obtain an overview of the possibilities for Vopak with regard to the storage of this oil. KLM Research to identify opportunities to start commercial flights between Amsterdam and Vietnam. Boskalis N.V. Field research to gain insights in the regulatory requirements in the area of interest for Boskalis in Vietnam. Elcee Holland B.V. Research to identify potential subcontractors of corrosion resisting steel fasteners on the Vietnamese market. Business circumstances and the rising middle class Traditionally China has always been favoured for its extensive and cheap labour, positioning it as a global hub for manufacturing. Recently, China has become interesting for a wider variety of businesses due to their upcoming consumer market. This is caused by the increasing welfare among their population of over 1.3 billion people. Considering the urban-household income being forecasted to double by 2022, a thorough analysis of this developing consumer market could create a great potential for businesses seeking to gain a competitive foothold in the fastest growing consumer market worldwide. Additionally, increasing support from European governments is stimulating trade with China by organizing trade missions and stationing business support offices in important economic regions. Simultaneously, the Chinese government is increasingly opening up their market. This will lead to increasing business opportunities for foreign companies which can lever their knowledge and experience to gain a competitive advantage over Chinese companies. Promising sectors The Chinese economy offers opportunities in a wide range of sectors. Amongst others, the nine top sectors defined by the Dutch government, comprising key businesses such as logistics, life sciences and technology, and the chemical industry, are experiencing rapid growth in China. Additionally, China is facing a number of challenges that require knowledge that is not readily available in China. For example, the increase in demand for food caused by the population rise requires modernisation of the agricultural industry. Furthermore, the problem of ageing demands high quality health care products and services. In the most recent 5-yearplan, the government has put a focus on the development of health care, energy and technology. Consequently, solutions in these fields are being facilitated. A. Hak Industrial Services B.V. Research on the possibilities to provide the South-East Asian market with their services in the inspection of oil product pipelines. NEM Energy Research to gain insight in the status and development of the geothermal industry in Indonesia. Sanoma Uitgevers Research on the graphical design sector and on outsourcing possibilities of magazine design in China. RPM is supported by these widely recognized consultancy firms by means of training sessions.
Letters of recommendation On behalf of and with pleasure I wholeheartedly support the students who participate in Research Project Maastricht 2015-16. Prof. Dr. M. Paul,, Research Project Maastricht carried out market research for Siemens Indonesia. The project team showed great flexibility in their actions and quickly managed to extend their field of expertise to the energy sector. Furthermore, Research Project Maastricht demonstrated a good work ethic and communication skills. The project proved an extensive addition to the market knowledge of Siemens Indonesia. J. Overberg, Fossil Power Generation, Renewable Energy, Energy Service Divisional Lead, Siemens Indonesia Research Project Maastricht investigated and explored the Brazilian market for gymnastic equipment in order to reveal Janssen-Fritsen s opportunities to become the main supplier of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. We were impressed by the thorough research that was conducted and the professional way the results were communicated and presented. During the whole period of research, the team proved to be well prepared and dedicated. We have used the recommendations of Research Project Maastricht in order to position ourselves on the Brazilian market and we definitely recommend their services. Drs. J.M. Janssen, Chief Executive Officer, JF Group B.V. Research Project Maastricht conducted an in-depth market research in Vietnam. The research aimed to map specific areas in terms of economic activity, type and size of enterprises, demographics, future developments and existing banking competition. In a challenging environment as Vietnam where basic market information is not readily available, RPM managed to receive all the required existing data as well as future development plans in the regions. This showed talent, determination as well as inventiveness of the team carrying out the survey. Moreover, RPM has shared its research methodology with the bank, enabling Rabo to continue similar research in other provinces. B. Schrijver, Senior Project Manager, Rabo Development Research Project Maastricht explored the market opportunities and entry-strategies for TKF in Singapore and Brunei. We were impressed by the results, the professional manner and enthusiasm the research was conducted with, and the whole setup of Research Project Maastricht. We truly recommend their services. P.H. Nes, Business Line Manager Industry, Marine & Offshore, Twentsche Kabelfabriek (TKF) Research Project Maastricht has conducted research to identify the market potential and to propose a short list of Full Service Partners meeting an agreed set of criteria. Douwe Egberts is impressed by the professional and structured approach of the team which resulted in a highly valuable and complete report. For Douwe Egberts this was a very cost effective and efficient way to explore new market opportunities. Douwe Egberts thanks RPM for the outstanding cooperation and highly recommends their services. A. Leusink, Former Regional Manager Asia - Douwe Egberts Professional-Export Board of Recommendation Dr. G. Zalm Voorzitter Raad van Bestuur ABN AMRO Drs. A.F. van der Touw Siemens Nederland N.V. B.J. M Memb Rabob J.F. van Boxmeer Chairman of the Executive Board/ Heineken N.V. Drs. D.A. Benschop -Directeur Shell Nederland B.V. H. Büt Chairm Fokker Dr. P.A.M. Berdowski Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. W.N. v Co-hea Corrid KPMG A.S. Castelein & Port of Rotterdam Drs. B.J. Koopman Fenedex K. Janssen Chemelot Prof. P.L.H. van den Bossche Chairman of the Appellate Body World Trade Organization Drs. T.J.F.M. Bovens King s Commissioner Province of Limburg P.B. M Manag Strateg Drs. M Presid The So of the Board of Advisors T. Steffens Principal BCG Prof. Dr. M. Paul J.P. Klaver Heerema Marine Contractors B. Pulles Director International Programmes Netherlands Enterprise Agency M.M.M. Hoedemakers Global FATCA Coordinator ING Bank N.V. R. Lambriks Senior Policy Advisor International Trade and Investment Promotion Limburg Provincial Government The team A. J. C. Assink Secretary Export Sociëteit Limburg Drs. van Bommel Area Manager Asia Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion T. Litje Vice-p Contro DSM E Pacific P. van Manag Van He Comm W. van Vice C Comm Consu Kingdo Shang Upper row, from left to right Robin Veenstra, Clara Hoekman First middle row, from left to right Koen Sars, Willem Wijnakker, Karlijn van der Heijden, Karel Keijzer Second middle row, from left to right Tommie Linders, Yara van Heugten, Sophie van Kol, Gilles Vromman Infinite Bottom row, from left to right Graciëlla van Hamersveld, Anniek Munters RPM supports China Youth Development Foundation in China. More information is provided on our P.O. Box 616 website. 6200 MD Maastricht T. +31 (0)43 388 3931 RPM is supported E. contact@researchproject Theby Netherlands Language Centre
Board of Recommendation Dr. G. Zalm Voorzitter Raad van Bestuur ABN AMRO Drs. A.F. van der Touw Siemens Nederland N.V. B.J. Marttin MBA Member of the Executive Board Rabobank Prof. Dr. R.J.M. Dassen (RA) Global Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited Prof. Dr. G.H. Hofstede Professor Emeritus J.F. van Boxmeer Chairman of the Executive Board/ Heineken N.V. Drs. D.A. Benschop -Directeur Shell Nederland B.V. H. Büthker Chairman & Fokker Technologies Holding B.V. Ir. J.J. de Jong Philips Electronics Benelux Drs. L.M.L.H.A. Hermans Chairman Greenport Holland Dr. P.A.M. Berdowski Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. W.N. van de Bunt Co-head Global M&A TMT & Corridor Lead Partner China KPMG Advisory N.V. Ir. R.P. van Wingerden MBA Koninklijke BAM Groep nv A.B. Smalbraak Pon Prof. Dr. P. Eichholtz Professor of Real Estate Finance Prof. Dr. L. Soete Rector Magnificus H. Rademaker Member of the Management Board Chief Investment Officer Robeco L. A. M. C. van Beek Deputy Director International Economic and Social Affairs VNO-NCW MKB-Nederland B. Snoeijer Chief Representative Netherlands Business Support Office Chengdu A. M. Kloosterman Director Rabobank A.S. Castelein & Port of Rotterdam Drs. B.J. Koopman Fenedex K. Janssen Chemelot Prof. P.L.H. van den Bossche Chairman of the Appellate Body World Trade Organization Drs. T.J.F.M. Bovens King s Commissioner Province of Limburg P.B. Mensing Europe Strategy& Drs. M.I. Hamer The Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) Board of Advisors T. Steffens Principal BCG Prof. Dr. M. Paul J.P. Klaver Heerema Marine Contractors B. Pulles Director International Programmes Netherlands Enterprise Agency M.M.M. Hoedemakers Global FATCA Coordinator ING Bank N.V. R. Lambriks Senior Policy Advisor International Trade and Investment Promotion Limburg Provincial Government A. J. C. Assink Secretary Export Sociëteit Limburg Drs. van Bommel Area Manager Asia Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion T. Litjens Vice-president Finance and Control DSM Engineering Plastics Asia Pacific P. van Lankveld Van Hessen (Shanghai) Commercial and Trading Co., Ltd W. van der Wal Vice Consul Economic and Commercial Affairs Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai Drs. P. H. M. J. Witteveen Managing Partner OC&C Strategy Consultants Benelux M. Chen Chief Representative Holland Marine House China J. Ji Director Global China Practice KPMG Accountants N.V. F. Janssen Owner & Founder E&M ExportManagement B.V. B. van Diepen Case Team Advisor F.A. Lauwerysen Coordinator Economic Department Consulate-General of the Netherlands in Guangzhou Infinite Opportunities P.O. Box 616 6200 MD Maastricht The Netherlands T. +31 (0)43 388 3931 E. contact@researchproject.nl www.researchproject.nl