Synopses & Reviews
China's corporate champions have arrived. Western consumers are typing on Lenovo computers, storing their food in Haier refrigerators and speaking on Huawei mobile phones. But how did these high-end Chinese companies enter our lives?
China Goes West presents an unrivalled perspective into the inner-workings of Chinese corporations and their expansion plans for international markets. Through a combination of executive interviews and first-hand accounts, this book tells the story of how Chinese companies entered the international marketplace, and provides the context to the emergence of these firms that has been sorely lacking from the debate about their rise.
This book will be invaluable for executives working for Western multinational companies - for whom Chinese companies pose a significant threat to business performance both overseas and in home markets where they have traditionally dominated. Readers will learn who the Chinese players are, what has led to their success, and what measures they can employ to successfully compete against this new generation of foreign competitors.
Review
"A thorough and thoughtful examination of one of the most important trends that will help shape the future of business, technology and society. Joel has written a clear account of the globalization journey, helping readers understand the challenges, opportunities, risks and rewards of 'going global.'" - Yang Yuanqing, Chairman and CEO, Lenovo Group
"Smart, practical and highly readable… in China Goes West, Joel Backaler brings an important, accelerating global business trend into timely focus." - Mark Duval, President, American Chamber of Commerce in China
"Joel Backaler's book is a real eye-opener. Written in a clear, precise, and ready-to-use manner, it tells the tale of contemporary China's 'Journey to the West'." - Davide Cucino, President, EU Chamber of Commerce in China
"Joel Backaler's fast-paced, accessible book on China's push to invest around the world is destined to become a major resource for anyone wanting to understand and benefit from the rise of global Chinese companies. From city managers looking for investments, to CEO's looking for global partners, to average workers worried about their future, Backaler's book provides a balanced view of the newest chapter in China's rise." - John Pomfret, author of Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China
"This practical, concise overview offers a balanced, readable assessment of one of the key new developments in the global economy - the dynamic, evolving story of Chinese overseas companies and the investment they are bringing. Joel Backaler fills his study with case studies from sportsware, automotive and the telecoms sector, balancing the successful with the catastrophic, but making clear all the time that Chinese companies, state or non-state, are complex entities, and have embarked on a steep learning curve. The book has pragmatic recommendations for companies and governments looking to engage intelligently in this process. This is, as he makes clear, a tale without heroes and villains, where there are no easy answers. Reading this book helps in clarifying the issues and understanding the challenges and opportunities this new phenomenon is bringing." - Kerry Brown, Executive Director, China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney
"Joel Backaler does a masterful job of removing the mystery and mistrust, which westerners have about China's global investment strategy. In China Goes West, Backaler separates facts from fiction and fear, and succinctly presents the challenges and opportunities for the global business community and governments to embrace China's entry onto the global investment stage. Presented as a how to, Backaler does an exceptional job of dissecting a complex topic into clear easy to understand segments describing the important cultural and business aspects of China's expansion. A must-read book for business leaders, MBA students, policy makers and anyone seeking insight into the global business trend of the century." - Steve Burrows, Former CEO Anheuser-Busch International Inc.
"Much of what is published and broadcast in the 'West' today concerning China's economic expansion has a consistent negative rhetoric focused on demonizing China rather than embracing the benefits it offers . Joel Backaler's book China Goes West is a very refreshing change and a true must- read for business leaders, investors and academics alike. Backaler carefully details numerous real life business examples, unlocks key cultural and governmental differences and generally helps the reader's understanding of a complex subject matter, in a style that is both refreshing and engaging" - Ken Newell, President PepsiCo Greater China (2008-2012)
Synopsis
China's corporate champions have arrived. Consumers around the world are typing on Lenovo computers, storing food in Haier refrigerators and speaking on Huawei mobile phones. But how did products from these Chinese companies enter our daily lives?
China Goes West presents an unrivalled overview of Chinese companies' expansion into developed economies and the opportunities and challenges it brings. Through detailed research, engaging case studies and exclusive interviews with senior executives, Backaler tells the story of why and how Chinese companies invest internationally - providing much-needed insight into these firms and their rise. The author concludes with practical advice for governments, companies and societies in China and the West to minimize the concerns and maximise the benefits of Chinese investment.
China is going West. Its firms will irrevocably reshape the global business landscape. This book is an essential introduction to the new future landscape of the world economy.
About the Author
Joel Backaler is a Director at Frontier Strategy Group, a contributing columnist for Forbes, and a member of the National Committee on United States-China Relations. Following a Fulbright Fellowship in Taiwan and advanced Mandarin study at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Backaler worked with Atos Consulting's China state-owned enterprise practice in Beijing. During his subsequent career with Frontier Strategy Group, Backaler was part of the founding team of its Asia Pacific office in Singapore.
Backaler is an award-winning blogger at TheChinaObserver.com and frequent contributor to mainstream global media outlets. He has lectured at Princeton University, testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, and regularly speaks at international events.
Backaler, a fluent Mandarin speaker, has worked and lived in Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Singapore. He currently lives in Washington DC with his wife Qian.
Table of Contents
1. An Introduction to Chinese Companies
2. Fleeing the Great Game
3. The Unprepared
4. The Assets
5. The Explorers and Buyers
6. The Danger
7. The Opportunity
8. The Response