Dezan Shira & Associates Hosts German SME Delegation for China Market Entry Briefing

Shanghai, July 1, 2025 – Marking the start of the second half of the year, Dezan Shira & Associates had the pleasure of welcoming a German SME delegation, organized by German Accelerator, to its centrally located Shanghai office. The second such visit this year, the event provided an opportunity for an in-depth exchange on market entry strategies and business development opportunities in China.

Leading the session was Vivian Mao, partner at the Shanghai office and an experienced business advisor, alongside Victoria Li from the International Business Advisory team. Together, they delivered tailored insights and practical advice to help the delegation better understand the realities of doing business in China. Drawing from real-world case studies, they outlined key considerations for SMEs, providing actionable takeaways for companies across sectors such as engineering software, technology, healthcare, education, appliances, and manufacturing.

The 90-minute session spanned a broad range of topics—from strategic entry pathways to common challenges often overlooked by first-time entrants. Through an interactive discussion and comprehensive Q&A, participants explored issues including identifying market entry barriers, setting up legal and operational structures, and adopting localized approaches to business development. The speakers also shared insights into tax, contract negotiation, partner due diligence, and best practices for building strong relationships with local partners.

The session concluded with a forward-looking dialogue on how fast-growing international companies can establish a lasting and competitive footprint in China’s vast and fast-changing consumer market. From legal entity structuring to partnership models and government incentives, attendees gained clarity on how to approach long-term growth in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Dezan Shira & Associates is proud to have served as a trusted partner to German start-up delegations in recent years, consistently offering hands-on guidance, practical intelligence, and market-relevant solutions to support their China journey. With more than 30 years of experience supporting international investors across Asia, we continue to help businesses navigate the complex regulatory, financial, and operational landscape in China.

As China’s business environment evolves, so do the opportunities for global companies. We look forward to supporting more international businesses as they explore, enter, and grow in this vibrant and promising market.

About German Accelerator

For more than 12 years, German Accelerator has empowered high-potential German startups and scale-ups to thrive on a global scale. It connects businesses to over 30 international ecosystems, granting access to top innovation hubs while removing growth barriers. Each of its programs is tailored to meet the unique needs of participants, helping them scale, enter new markets, and achieve success.

Their programs are highly customized to the participants’ individual needs to help them access international markets and succeed quickly. German Accelerator is powered by Start2 Group and proudly financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) – it is their belief that investing in startups is directly investing in innovation.

More information

• Dezan Shira & Associates DACH Desk
• China-Germany Economic Relations 2025: What Merz’s Leadership Means for Trade and Investment