In 2025, Dezan Shira & Associates exhibited for the first time at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, presenting in the Innovation Incubation Special Section. The event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with companies exploring entry into China, exchange ideas with partners and friends, and share insights on planning for long-term, sustainable growth in the region.
Focus of Our Discussions
The conversations at our booth were straightforward and practical. Most centered on topics such as:
- Evaluating market opportunities and identifying potential growth areas
- Exploring business structures that support scalable and flexible entry
- Planning investments to support both short-term launches and long-term growth
- Building local networks to accelerate market presence and gain insights
- Anticipating challenges and opportunities in a dynamic and evolving market
These discussions emphasized the importance of strategic planning, market understanding, and relationship-building for a successful market entry.
Our On-Site Team
Members from our Shanghai-based business advisory, tax and accounting, HR, audit, and marketing teams were present on-site, which made it possible to address different types of questions in one place. The group at CIIE included:
- Vivian Mao, Partner in Charge of East China
- Viktor Rojkov, Manager, International Business Advisory
- Victoria Li, Associate, International Business Advisory
- Ada Zhou, Manager, Tax and Corporate Accounting Services
- Fuki Fu, Manager, Human Resources and Payroll Services
- Yoriko Wu, Assistant Manager, Audit and Corporate Accounting Services
- Sherry Chen, Senior Associate, Business Advisory Services
- Uie Yin, Senior Associate, OHR
- Qian Zhou, Manager, China Briefing
- Freda Chen, Marketing Lead, East and North China
What We Took Away
A few themes came through across many conversations:
- Identifying the right market opportunities is critical to early success.
- Using flexible and dynamic methods to enter the market, such as partnerships, phased expansion, or joint ventures, allows companies to adapt to evolving conditions.
- Building local connections and partnerships accelerates market entry.
- Careful business planning supports long-term growth and scalability.
- Understanding broader trends, including Chinese companies expanding abroad, informs competitive strategy.
These insights are relevant for organizations of all sizes, whether entering the region for the first time, expanding abroad, or strengthening existing operations.
Continuing the Exchange
We value the thoughtful discussions and the connections made with partners and new contacts throughout the event. We look forward to continuing these exchanges and exploring how these insights can support sustainable business growth in China, Asia, and beyond.
Our expertise in market entry spans corporate establishment, international trading contract drafting and review, cross-border business tax advisory, cross-border dispute resolution, intellectual property registration, business matchmaking, and professional employment services.
For follow-up discussions or questions, our Shanghai team can be reached at: shanghai@dezshira.com.
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