Sharing knowledge and expertise with developing future leaders

By ECOVIS Beijing

On Friday, 28 March 2014, Manuela Reintgen represented Ecovis Beijing in a panel discussion on the topic: Doing Business in China. With keen interest and curious minds, the group of 75 Mexican MBA students from IPADE Business School flooded into the Peace Ballroom conference room at Novotel Peace Hotel. Even though it was the last of a long morning of sessions, the group brought both energy and interest whilst the panel gave them insight to the Chinese market.

The panel consisted of three experienced China experts, Mr. Sam Goodman – the co-founder of Attract China and author of East Eats West: The Street-Smarts Guide, Mr. Alvaro Cardenas – Co-founder of Dream Energies & Game producer at Happylate, and Ms Manuela Reintgen, our current Business Development Manager. After a few short words from the organizers, the International Study Programs, the session kicked off with Manuela’s brief introduction to her extensive China experience. Having started here with an internship and then staying & progressing with her professional life in both Shanghai and Beijing, she is well versed in the taxation and legal regulations of foreign businesses in China. This rang clear in her advice to the Mexican students when asked about the workings of Chinese business.

Her familiarity didn’t just stop at her legal expertise, but also through the cultural differences and business customs. Drawing from her own experience of dealing with “guanxi” and hierarchy, she engaged the students with useful advice for getting things done in China. It isn’t an immediate result, but a long relationship that must be built and created. Though difficult to obtain, but once received, it is often highly beneficial.