With the CKGSB Business Conditions Index (BCI) posting its highest reading for nearly a year, things are looking up for competitive companies in China, despite the potential impact that continuing macroeconomic risks might have on operations.

China is no longer resting on its ‘Made in China’ laurels. These days, China’s main economic driver is the ICT industry, including smartphone manufacturers and gaming firms, as well as the e-commerce and internet search market sectors. CKGSB Professor Li Wei said, “To highlight Chinese ICT companies’ common reasons for success, their customer-oriented businesses have correctly anticipated what a good portion of Chinese customers want and have strived to serve them. A significant percentage of Chinese customers are well-educated, but their income is not as high as their western counterparts. They want smartphones that have high-end specs, incorporate the latest designs and best implement software elements. Some of them have the technical skills to redesign or tinker with a phone's hardware and software. This has given rise to Xiaomi, whose business model is fundamentally different from global brands such as Samsung and Apple.”

November’s APEC meeting was arguably the highlight of the Chinese calendar this year, with Beijing playing host to the world’s leaders. With international media also descending on the Chinese capital, AP reporter Joe McDonald spoke to CKGSB Professor of Economics Li Wei to get his thoughts on a proposed new free-trade deal among APEC countries in the face of resistance from the US.

To coincide with the recent Fourth Plenum gathering of senior leaders in Beijing, Professor of Economics at CKGSB Li Wei spoke to The Wall Street Journal’s Ramy Inocencio in a recent video interview, where they discussed the rule of law, the slowing economy in China and Prof Li’s opinion on relevant policies.

In 2014, CKGSB and its world-class faculty were mentioned in more than 300 original articles in top-tier international media – a staggering 200% increase over 2013 – and that’s not to mention a whole range of additional coverage through reprinted articles and syndicated material.

On the heels of the global economic recession, China can no longer depend solely on its export market to sustain growth. Professor Li Wei, CKGSB professor, explains that China now needs to target domestic consumers. The Chinese government is also becoming increasingly aware of this phenomenon and plans to prioritize domestic market expansion. For Korean companies wishing to enter China, Professor Li advised them to target sectors where Korean companies are highly reputed for.

On Aug 11, Li Wei, Professor of Economics at CKGSB, was interviewed by Fortune Korea for an in-depth coverage on “specialized wholesale markets” in Zhejiang, China. Li Wei explained the reasons for these markets’ success, strengths and the challenges they will be facing in the rapidly changing Chinese business environment.

Founding Dean and Leading World Economist from China’s leading Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business shared insights during FT-ODX “Essential China” Conference

The Chinese economy is slowing and that has significant ramifications for things like capital and the Renminbi. Is there a silver lining in all this?

This week, China’s central bank finally bit the bullet and cut the required reserve ratio by 50 basis points; and the manufacturing purchasing managers’ index hit a new low

The CKGSB Business Conditions Index shows that after a challenging year, Chinese entrepreneurs have regained some of their confidence, but only just.

For the first time since November 2012, CKGSB’s Business Conditions Index has dropped below 50 showing that China’s entrepreneurs are settling into their negative outlook. Business sentiments in July continue to weaken, breaching the threshold between confidence and a lack thereof. Each month CKGSB’s Case Center and Center for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth conducts a …

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