What businesses say PDF Print E-mail

The Chinese economy is set to rival that of the US in the next 20 years, probably within your working life. Consequently, a knowledge and understanding of Chinese language and culture will be an increasingly valuable asset.

Here are some comments from the worlds of business and finance
 

British Chambers of Commerce in Beijing

Image Read BCC's interview with China Pathways' student Jack Bodkin Click here
Chris Baron Chris Baron, President and CEO of CJB Holdings in China, and former managing Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in China.

During my time here at the British Chamber of Commerce in China we have employed several younger people at the start of their careers all of whom have now moved on to excellent jobs with great career prospects, both here in China and back in the UK. This supports my view that in an increasingly competitive market, a period of work in China with the right organisation can really make your CV ‘stand out from the page’ and offer a unique and valuable learning experience unparalleled anywhere else on this planet!

Michael O'Sullivan Michael O'Sullivan, former Secretary general of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

As two-way trade and investment continue to grow, the EU has become China's number one business partner. We expect to see more and more European companies, including smaller companies, entering the Chinese market, and needing China expertise to succeed there.

Philomena Chen Philomena Chen Head of Asia Pacific development at UK Trade and Investment (UKTI North West)

Many employers tell me that having staff with Chinese language skills or a knowledge of the Chinese business environment would be a major asset to their business. I would strongly advise any young person to add a knowledge of China to their CV.

Jessica Zhang Jessica Zhang of China Britain Business Link.

China will shortly be the world's second largest economy. Chinese is already the most widely used 2nd language after English. Getting ahead in life for many aspirational young people will soon equate to getting to know China.

Richard Margolis, Chief Executive: Rolls-Royce, South East Asia.

I had the opportunity very early in my career to learn Chinese full time for two years, followed by two years working in China. I did not know it at the time, but this turned out to be the most intelligent thing I have ever done, since it opened the door to a varied and rewarding career working in and with China.
Jim Rodgers - International Financier


Who is Jim Rogers?

Jim Rogers is an American investor and financial commentator. In 2006 he sold his $16m home in New York and moved to Singapore as a result of his conviction about the economic rise of Asia and his desire for his two young daughters to learn Mandarin.

After studying at Yale and Oxford, Rogers joined Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder in 1970. There he met George Soros with whom he co-founded the hugely successful Quantum hedge fund.

Ten years later Rogers decided to retire at the age of 37. Soros was estimated to have made £1bn betting against the British pound on Black Wednesday when the pound crashed out of the ERM in 1992.

Rogers has also featured in the Guinness Book of World Records twice - motorcycling 100,000 across six continents from 1990-1992 and later visiting 116 countries on a round-the-world trip with his wife.

Rogers continues to invest, but is now also an author, lecturer and regular international financial commentator.