IBSM 2007. Memories. Emotions. Thoughts

Part 2: Shen Zhen

Day 2:

Early in e morning, we transferred to China - Shenzhen.

disco ball?!

girls! and our luggages (mine's the red one).

after that, we went to visit:
China South International Industrial Materials City 华南城

The first impression I have of this place was that it is very commercialised and developed. Since the previous IBSM batch had also visited this place, there must be a lot of things to be learned if not this place will not be included in this batch's again! =X

Part of the overview of the material city.
It definitely looks small over here.. until we proceeded for a tour.

on the tram! a very exciting ride.

See that there's no handle at the side of the seats?
Half of the time, we were worrying of falling off the seats rather than staying focused in the tour, which is why we did not really hear much from the facilitator.

The China South International Industrial Materials City, being developed on a 1.5 km sq site at Pinghu Logistics Base in Shenzhen, China, comprises of 5 trade centres:
1) Textile and Clothing Materials
2) Leather and Accessories
3) Metals, Chemicals and Plastic (the picture above)
4) Printing, Paper Products and Packaging
5) Electronic Accessories

"Every material that you need for your production, you can get it here."
This was one of the sentence I jotted in my journal.
I remember clearly the faciliator saying this. At first, I thought, "How is it even possible? Every material?"
But after the tour, I am convinced by what she said.

There are MANY units. This is when I realise that the material city is really big.
"This is like the size of Ang Mo Kio (the estate that I'm living in)!" I can't help it but exclaimed.
andrea & winnie replied, "This is bigger than Ang Mo Kio, lor."

Indeed, it is so big that it is accomodating 5672 units at the moment (figures are increasing as the material city is still under further expansion) when it is still at the Phase One of the project. Of which, the Electronic Accessories Trade Centre has the most number of display units and it still at the stage of expansion.

Other auxillary facilities and services includes:
1) Logististics Services, Ordinary Warehouse and Bonded Warehouse
2) E-Commerce Services
3) Conference/ Meeting Rooms and Exhibition Hall
4) Purchases Services Centre
5) Residential Areas
6) Catering Services and Convenience Store
7) Banking Service
8) Housing Facilities
9) Public Transportation Network
10) Industry Associations Offices
11) Business Start-up Consultancy and License Application Services
12) Restaurants
13) Hotels

An all-rounded service to faciliate trading is important, as it will not only speed up buying and selling, it will also save costs when the transactions can be done directly. Especially when the material city is aiming at the overseas market as well, there must also be considerations set aside for overseas buyers. Thus, not only does the company looks into providing effective and efficient sales service, it also take care of their (overseas) customers' welfare by having accomodation and recreation facilities built for them.

There are a lot of learning points to be noted. Just to name the more important ones:
1) Consumers benefit most through competition. In this case, the competition arises when the different display units are selling similiar products. Hence, in order to differentiate themselves from their fellow competitors, price is a crucial factor. Whilst not being able to quote too high a price, they must not quote a price lower than their costs too. Consumers will therefore compare and will settle at a (usually lowest) price which they are willing to pay.
2) Having excellent infrastructure is important, especially in China as it is such a big country. Being easily accessible will help a lot in international business.
3) Providing other auxillary facilities and services will help in attracting overseas buyers, as it saves time and cost.
4) There will always be room for further development to keep up with the changes in technology, tastes and preferences and etc.
5) The timing and location of setting up a business is very crucial. Being the first to set up a material city will bring about first-mover advantages, which is seen by success of the project.

wow. what a warm welcome! =)
It's an eye opening experience.

Market research-ing later!

didn't buy anything though.

mommy loves him

and then, we can't resist from KFC cos the meals everyday was "8 dishes + 1 soup".

back at hotel

Day 3:

windows of the world.

MY FAVOURITE!

andrea. me. winnie
trying hard to look taller.
:P
It's a pity that we did not get to enter to view the rest cos I would very much hope to!

miss the good times;