China Portrait: Marie Anne Souloumiac

As a warm up to Creative Industries Update Januari 31st in Amsterdam, DutchDFA interviewed designers that participated at Canton Fair and Beijing Design Week last fall. This portrait: Marie-Anne Souloumiac (Project coordinator China at DutchDFA).

Why were you interested in doing business in China? What were your initial expectations before going? 

China holds immense opportunities at the moment. It forms a playground, a laboratory for new ideas on how to improve society, cities and life. China has got the will and economic backing to collaborate with foreign experts. The idea of moving here and starting something new in this climate was irresistible. I expected huge sprawling cities, pollution and masses of people and I was not disappointed!

In what way are your expectations now different from before visiting?

I live in China now. My expectations have changed in the sense that I know now that it is crucial to be visible and physically present. Learning the “ Chinese Way” is rewarding but takes time and a lot of patience!

Something astonishing you learned or experienced? 

I ‘ve just read a great book “How the City moved to Mr Sun” by Michiel Hulshof and Daan Roogeveen with lots of fascinating stories about China’s new megacities.

They point out that in the next twenty years an estimated 280 million Chinese villagers will become city dwellers, urbanisation rate is expected to increase to seventy percent by 2030.

What cliché is not true?

“Chinese women are submissive”. The post revolution Chinese ladies are very powerful and are leading the largest Chinese companies.

What is, according to you, the most challenging part of doing business in China? Worries? Things Dutch professionals have to conquer?

The most challenging I would say is still the language. Most Chinese do not speak English and writings are in Chinese. It can be very frustrating not be able to convey your ideas and thoughts whilst your translators take their own course.

The second thing is the “Guangxi” (meaning relationships, essential in China) but I guess that is not a large obstacle for us. The Chinese appreciate a good friendly talk, a Dutch beer and a little joke.

What advice can you give Dutch colleagues who have ambitions in China? Tips? Lessons?

Be flexible and patient. Network. Be visible, give talks and do lots of PR, Chinese like to work with a firm that is on the “radar”.

Learn the Chinese way and believe in the Chinese saying “Good things will come your way”.

What are your plans for China in 2012?

More great Dutch Design Fashion Architecture projects in China!

We will be showing the Dutch profiles at the prestigious Rockbund Art Museum, putting up a roadshow of Dutch Design in second tier cities in China. We will be organising Dutch design events at all the major design weeks in China and will bring an exciting showcase of Dutch fashion to Shanghai.

Furthermore, we will continue to consolidate and expand our platforms and networks in China, particularly the Dutch Design Workspace in Shanghai and the Dutch Design Desk in Guangzhou.

What is needed for Dutch professionals to successfully start in China?

A reliable local Chinese partner is essential. Good relationship with both local government and commercial organisations. Have the right knowledge, network and tools at hand.

A desk at the Dutch Workspace in Shanghai and support from the Dutch Design Desk in Guangzhou is a must to get you started here. It will offer you all the needed keys to make your Chinese journey a success.

Marie-Anne Souloumiac is the DutchDFA china coordinator based at the Dutch  Dutch Design Workspace in Shanghai. Working closely with the local diplomatic posts, the Dutch Design Workspace Shanghai and the Dutch Design Desk GPRD, she supervises and develops the DutchDFA projects in China.