“we can gain ideas and information to master our operations in China. This is a great value and benefit of being a member at the European Chamber.”

Interview with Klaus Zenkel, Vice Chair of the European Chamber South China Chapter and General Manager of Imedco Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

What’s your favorite, best memory of the European Chamber experience?

It was a highlight and a great honour to meet the executive vice mayor of Guangzhou, Mr Chen Zhi Ying, on behalf of the European Chamber last November during the ‘Understanding China’ conference. Certainly, it was also a wonderful experience to meet with vice mayors of Shenzhen, among them Mr Chen Biao.

What’s the difference of China’s business/regulatory environment in your industry today vs. 20 years ago?

20 years ago, I was with Siemens Healthcare and the business in China was starting to pick up. The medical market was about to take off. At that time, there were only the global players (GE, Philips, Siemens) and not so many local medical device companies. This has changed a lot. For example, now we have more than 10 local MRI manufacturers. The market has grown, however, there are more slices too.

What do you expect to see China’s business/regulatory environment to change in 20 years?

Not sure, I can’t predict the future. Either way, I hope that there will be equality and balance among the biggest economies. Less competition but more creativity. Even in 20 years’ time, China can still benefit from research and development processes and scientific research methods that are globally available and proven.

What role do you expect the European Chamber to take in the next 20 years?

There is the so-called globalisation, everybody needs to follow the rules. The Chamber will play an important role in that process. The Advocacy, Business Intelligence and Community are and will continue to be the solid cornerstone.

What value has the European Chamber brought to you/your company/your industry?

We are able to share our experience and challenges among the other member companies and government bureaus. At the same time, we can gain ideas and information to master our operations in China. This is a great value and benefit of being a member at the European Chamber.

Klaus Zenkel, Vice Chair of the European Chamber South China Chapter and General Manager of Imedco Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.