China flexes supply chain muscle
With the European and global economy in such a weakened state, the Horasis-organised Global China Business Meeting held in Valencia, Spain comes at a particularly appropriate time. Although China has said that it will not bail out Europe’s ailing economies, there are other ways in which it is increasing its influence on the world’s stage.
One of the themes of the conference was how Chinese companies are helping to reshape the global value chain.
Chinese manufacturers are becoming ever more assertive in the world’s markets, eschewing the role of remote, off-shore production resource for foreign OEMs in favour of building their own brands.
Speaking at the summit, Ti’s CEO, John Manners-Bell discussed how taking control of their supply chains would also give them responsibility for downstream distribution.
‚This is a seismic shift in the way that Chinese manufacturers approach their marketing channels,‘ commented Manners-Bell. ‚This is a big opportunity but one with certain risks. They now need to take into account the full cost of getting their products to their customers.‘
Whilst individual companies have expanded their supply chain influence, more strategic Chinese money has been invested in European logistics infrastructure. The conference heard that the Port of Valencia had been the recipient of funds from Chinese investors helping to build the city’s reputation as a major Mediterranean logistics hub. This is a further example of how improving transport links with Asia Pacific will benefit all parties – not least global Chinese brands.
Quelle: eyefortransport
Portal: www.logistik-express.com
