“We are nobody in big China, but with the backup of you guys, we feel a bit more powerful to present our concerns and interests.”

Interview with Thomas Fischer, CEO, SUTO iTEC (China) Co. Ltd

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

I have many good memories of meetings with people from the Chamber. But the best event, if I have to name one, was the football tournament 2017. Please do it again, was really fun!

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

Overall, the city of Shenzhen has become very professional with the services they offer. All is now well-organised. This was not the case 20 years ago. Depending on who you asked, you got very different answers.

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

I expect to China do more about the copycat mentality of some companies or individuals. And they shall also crack down on the nonsense patent applications. There are too many patents granted for ‘bullshit’ that are really not inventions, just trying to protect their sales/market or getting some government funding from holding patents.

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

Support the members, especially small-sized companies like us, to deal with the authorities. We are nobody in big China, but with the backup of you guys, we feel a bit more powerful to present our concerns and interests, and also help us to get familiar with new regulations and trends.

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

You are really helpful to us, and colleagues and I appreciate the service –especially the seminars you organised in the past months via web-conference. Keep it up!

Final word: I miss China, I hope this border-closing will be over soon. Best wishes to you from Rimini!

Thomas Fischer, CEO, SUTO iTEC (China) Co. Ltd