China Path Podcast

After just completing his period of self quarantine as required from his return from Beijing, we caught up with Paul Cheyne, the Trade and Investment Commissioner for Austrade at the Australian Embassy to discuss how the coronavirus was being felt on the ground in China, the measures undertaken by both the Chinese and Australian governments to mitigate its economic impact and how the situation bodes for both countries throughout 2020.

To kick off the new year on the podcast, we catch up with Mark Tanner from the Shanghai based marketing and research agency China Skinny to unpack some of the prevailing themes in consumption in China and Chinese culture in general. We look at the work China Skinny does at breaking down Chinese target audiences by generation, region and purchasing habits. We discuss the Chinese governments ability to influence the Chinese consumer as well as the increasing competitiveness of local Chinese brands. We also look at some of the notable cultural faux pas of foreign brands in China and what trends to look out for in the coming years.

In our 50th episode, we sit down with newly elected ACBC National President, David Olsson. In our chat, we discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the inherent underpinnings of the Australia-China economic relationship, China literacy, Australia's prospects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the digitalisation of the Renminbi and the role David sees ACBC playing as Australia-China engagement continues to evolve.

An Australian living in China for over 22 years, Heidi Dugan hosts the long running popular TV program, You Are The Chef, on the Oriental Shopping Channel with over 6 million viewers daily. While not so well known to Australians Heidi is a household name in China, where she is often recognised in the street by the millions of Chinese people who have grown up watching her cooking show.

In our chat we discuss Heidi’s China journey from studying in Wuhan to thriving off the Shanghai pace of life in her new home. We look at how she became the only western TV presenter in China with a license to broadcast live on Chinese TV, as well as the role she plans as an ambassador to foreign brands and how Australian products can do more to have an edge in the China market. Heidi also offers her tips for learning Chinese and where to eat off the beaten path in Shanghai

On this week’s episode, we sit down with Jack Brady from AustCham Shanghai to get the low down on how Australian businesses are tracking on the ground in China’s commercial heartland. We speak with Jack about the recent launch of AustCham Shanghai’s grand new residence at the recently opened Australia House that will house Australian firms and be a vital Australian business hub in Shanghai. We also discuss tracking Australian business sentiment in China, how AustCham is engaging with Chinese alumni returning from their studies in Australia and how Australian firms can improve their China literacy.

On this week’s episode we take a look at how one of the world’s fastest growing exercise crazes, F45 Training is breaking into China. We catch up with General Manager for F45 Training Shanghai Lauren Hogan to hear about how the Australian born high intensity training phenomenon is tapping into China's growing demand for health and wellness. We also look at how F45's franchise model works in China and how WeChat is used to recruit trainers and participants in China’s growing fitness scene.

On this week’s episode, we sit down with James Hudson from Alibaba – China's biggest e-commerce company and one of the world’s most dynamic shopping and retail innovators. We speak with James about the various platforms on the Alibaba ecosystem and which ones are relevant to both emerging and more established Australian brands. We discuss the revolutionary new retail Hema Fresh Supermarkets, Alibaba’s E-Commerce Expo and how November 11th’s Singles Day has become such a monumental event in China’s cultural and consumer world.

On this episode we sit down with a true legend of Australia-China business. Michelle Garnaut is one of the most respected and recognised restaurateurs in Asia and was described by Time magazine as “an industry celebrity” as well as “the pioneer of China’s fashionable-dining scene”. With over 30 years’ experience covering every facet of the service industry, from dish washing to cooking, from waiting tables to bar tending, from marketing to management, Michelle founded M at the Fringe in Hong Kong (1989-2009) M on the Bund (1999) and Capital M in Beijing (2009). Each becoming an icon in its city.

We chat to Michelle about the story behind each of her restaurants, each location’s challenges and peculiarities, as well as how each city has changed over her more than 3 decades working in China. We also discuss Michelle’s philanthropy work, such as establishing the Shanghai literary festival, her role on the board with the Australian global network Advance and leading the female empowering Mentor Walks operating all over the world.

On this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Australia’s new ambassador to China Mr Graham Fletcher. In our chat we discuss some of the protocols and job duties of being an ambassador and also how the embassy and consulates in China serve Australians and Australian business in China. We ask Graham about the unique aspects of the role of being an ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, whether political ups and downs in the relationship affect business and what impact an individual can have on the role of ambassador.

On this episode, the third and final part of our market entry mini-series, we discuss how a business can ensure long term success by committing to the market. I’m once again joined by China product expert Matthew McKenzie as discuss market presence, hiring staff, company registration, payment, changing regulations, organic certification, new retail, digital marketing, Australian successful stories and the importance of timing.