Chinese citizens typically seize this opportunity for leisure travel, visiting their families in various parts of China, and increasingly exploring foreign countries. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, stands as one of China's most significant holidays. The festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, with a bright full moon at night. This festival is marked by family reunions, mooncakes, parades, and lanterns.

These holidays have a substantial influence over the economy, with undeniable positive impacts on the tourism sector. During the last pre-pandemic year in 2019, the Chinese tourism industry welcomed 782 million tourists, generating a total tourism revenue of 6.63 trillion yuan (approximately $955.3 billion). In the current year, China anticipates a total of 4.55 billion domestic tourist trips, rebounding to 76 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The revenue generated from the domestic travel market will most likely exceed 5 trillion yuan.

However, in addition to the growth in tourism revenue, these holidays also exert negative economic impacts. Most businesses and factories will temporarily close during this week-long holiday, resulting in a production halt. Airports and seaports will remain operational but with reduced staffing due to decreased production from factories. Government institutions typically close for a few days as well. Given China's status as one of the world's largest economies and manufacturing hubs, this holiday-induced standstill can ripple through the global supply chain. It is an important consideration for companies engaged in business with China.

Despite the recovery in domestic tourism, overall domestic consumption is growing slowly. Coupled with declining demand for the country's exports, China's post-pandemic economic recovery is slowing down. Consequently, China has implemented various measures to support foreign businesses within its borders. These measures encompass enhanced support for foreign businesses in sectors like advanced manufacturing, modern services, and the digital economy, aimed at facilitating collaboration with vocational schools to address labor shortages. Additionally, eligible foreign investors are encouraged to establish their companies domestically. We are pleased to offer an in-depth analysis of China's policy environment and market competition on September 21. Please refer to the event section for more details.

Before we embark on a well-deserved holiday, we have a couple of weeks filled with activities ahead of us. I am writing this newsletter from Chengdu, where we have an official Team Finland business delegation led by Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola coinciding with the Junction China hackathon. You can find information about other upcoming events in the event section. Following the holiday period, we will launch our Team Finland Pulse Survey to gauge how our companies are faring in this turbulent environment.

September guest article is a press release from PPG, the owner of the painting company Tikkurila, which has been operating in China since 2007. In this newsletter we also introduce The China Entry Handbook 2023 by our member company Integra Group.

On the behalf of FinnCham Beijing I wish you all Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Ulla Nurmenniemi

Executive Director

With the theme of "The Sound of Color," PPG was delighted to kick off the 2023 "PPG Master Talk" forum on September 7, 2023, at the PuXuan Hotel in Beijing. As part of the Zaha Hadid Architects' 40th-anniversary "New World - Future Horizons" special exhibition, this Master Talk design salon series aims to showcase new design and construction technologies as well as material innovations. We seek to project a new world for PPG Master Paints through this collaboration.

The event began with opening remarks from PPG Asia-Pacific Public Affairs General Manager Yan Caiming, who shared insights from the brand's perspective. He highlighted how PPG's collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, powered by design and technology, is contributing to the development of China's home industry, adding vibrant colors to a brighter future.

Following this, Mr. Timo Sysiö, Counselor of the Finnish Embassy's News and Culture Section, shared how PPG Tikkurila paints have evolved into a shining example of a greener and more sustainable future. PPG Tikkurila, as a Finnish brand benchmark, has made pioneering efforts in sustainability and environmental care.

In the "Master Talk" segment, Mr. Tadoshi, Regional Director of Zaha Hadid Architects Asia-Pacific, addressed the theme of "Future Cities and Digital Design." Mr. Yu has consistently explored and practiced the infinite possibilities of architecture and design. He provided a unique perspective and design philosophy that challenged the thinking of the designers in the audience.

Next, Professor Fu Jiong, Associate Professor at the School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, presented on the topic of "Exploring Color Trends in Chinese Culture." With years of research experience and extensive industry practice, Professor Fu has been instrumental in advancing color design and research in the industry. His speech encouraged deeper thinking among the attending designers.

Finally, Mr. Zhang Jin, a Master of Architectural and Vice President of the China Decoration Design Feng Shui Research Institute, delivered a speech on "Architecture and Feng Shui." As the founder of the Space-Time Five Elements theory and a director of the International Metaphysical Federation, Mr. Zhang explained the philosophical essence of feng shui theory in modern architecture, sparking enthusiastic discussions among the audience.

After the Master Speaks event, guests moved to the Guardian Art Center to experience "THE NEW WORLD - Future Horizons" exhibition, a part of the Zaha Hadid Architects' 40th-anniversary celebration. This exhibition showcases the works and research achievements of Zaha Hadid Architects over the years. Through explanations from Zaha architects themselves, guests gained firsthand insights into future design trends and concepts.

Zaha Hadid Architects has redefined 21st-century architecture by seamlessly integrating technology, inspiration from diverse natural landscapes, and artistic traditions. They have perfected the symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature, bridging the past, present, and future of China. PPG looks forward to collaborating with more top architectural firms to advance sustainable architecture through technological innovation.

Simultaneously, at the exhibition entrance, PPG's "The Sound of Color" theme flash mob, the first of its kind in the nation, combined design, color, and music to paint a unique picture of the PPG world of colors.

In a world where digitalization and sustainable development are reshaping industries worldwide, PPG remains committed to environmental sustainability and driving sustainable development in the home industry. As a leading global paint, coatings, and specialty materials company with 140 years of history, PPG has consistently upheld the values of dedication and innovation. Through collaborations with architects and interior design firms across different fields, PPG Architectural Coatings has demonstrated exceptional quality and limitless potential, exemplifying our vision of "Protecting and Beautifying the World."

FinnCham Beijing is part of Team Finland in China, and an outstanding platform for all Finnish businesses in China. For those companies which need more visibility, we have launched a Premium Membership. It's an upgrade from normal membership, as you can see from the table below.

For those companies in Finland, who are planning to expand their businesses to China, or are in the early stage and don't have an office in China yet, we have a distant membership. A very cost-effective way to make your company known to a large audience, and get essential contacts for your future.

Not a member yet: Join us HERE

FinnCham Beijing’s mission is to help Finnish companies to succeed in China