Facing challenges and embracing opportunities

The business landscape in Shenzhen — and China more broadly — has its share of challenges: economic disruptions over recent years, and now pressures from Western decoupling policies.

Many local firms, including manufacturing factories staffed with motivated engineers and skilled laborers, are evolving by becoming more innovative and creating their own brands rather than relying solely on Western customers.

I believe this transformation will ultimately make China stronger. Companies must develop products that appeal globally, build effective sales channels, and adopt solid marketing strategies.

A good example is the rise of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers, like Shenzhen-based BYD Co., which has earned recognition as a formidable rival from Tesla.

In fact, I’m so impressed by BYD’s quality and value that I’m considering paying tariffs myself to own one, even while driving a Tesla in California.

In today’s fast-changing world, disruptions will always happen. The critical skill is to identify and seize new opportunities, something Shenzhen’s business ecosystem exemplifies.