Over the next two years, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Joachim Coens, the Institute will undertake a study on Chinese companies going global, how logistics can be a facilitator for such a move and, in particular, the role global ports can play. The working title of this research is: Globalization of Chinese Companies: The Role of Global Ports.

We believe the study on the subject is both timely and strategic. Not only are the Chinese Government now encouraging Chinese Enterprises to “Go Global”, but Institute research on Global Port Authorities suggests that the Port Authority is moving beyond its traditional role as Landlord and becoming an Economic Strategist. Therefore, Port Authorities are the perfect working partners to carry out such a study, and it will be hugely beneficial for participating Global Port Authorities to gain market knowledge in order to increase their brand awareness among Globalizing Chinese companies.

The Port of Zeebrugge in Europe and the Port of Virginia in the US, both identified by the Institute as thought leaders and early adopters in their respective regions, working closely with one another will give the research a global perspective, making the study a creditable process in analyzing Chinese Enterprises Globalization. This research will include interviews with Chinese Company executives jointly identified by Zeebrugge, Virginia and GIL as the next “wave” of Chinese businesses going global. Related workshops taking place in China: Tianjin, Shanghai and Shenzhen; Europe: Zeebrugge, Belgium and in America: Virginia, USA will assist with conducting the research.