Choosing Here: Beyond Expectations
September 7, 2003
By Xiamen Daily Reporter Yuqing Chen
Photo by Yao Fan
Linde Gas Xiamen Ltd., established in 1995, has since then provided high-quality gas to a wide range of fields. Linde's investment in China has gone beyond their expectations and is even beyond expectations, according to Linde Vice President Dr. Goedl in a recent interview by a reporter from Common Talk, Xiamen Daily. In this interview the vice president told the reporter that Linde is about to make another investment of US$ 37 million during this CIFIT.
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"When in Rome, do as the Romans do." "The trees we planted yesterday are big trees now and there will be fruit tomorrow." |
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| Linde Gas Greater China Area Managing Director Dr. Li Yue |
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| Linde Gas Vice President Dr. Rainer Goedl |
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| Linde Gas Asia-Pacific Area General Manager Dr. Bernd R. Conrad |
Q: As one of the first groups from Europe to invest here, would you
like to give me a brief introduction to your investment benefits in
China?
A: Generally speaking, we are very satisfied with the investment
environment here in Xiamen and other parts of China. What we have
obtained from our investment here is beyond our expectations. We are
happy about the investment environment in Xiamen, where we have won
support. In a word, the investment has been quite successful.
Q: What satisfies you most about the investment environment in Xiamen?
What attracts you as opposed to other Development Zones in China?
A: First of all, when Linde Gas & Engineering came to Xiamen, it
was a solely owned foreign enterprise, while in other Chinese cities
this was very difficult or even impossible. This enabled us to make a
quick decision and respond actively to the market needs.
Secondly, the municipal government's support and advice are vital to
our decision-making.
And most important of all, multi-national companies such as Kodak and
Coca-Cola, who had a good knowledge of Linde's history and who showed
their faith in Linde's capabilities, became our earliest customers.
Besides, Linde-Xiamen Forklift Truck Co. Ltd., who came to invest in
Xiamen earlier than Gas & Engineering, was also in need of a
reliable supply of high-quality gas. Furthermore, some Taiwanese
enterprises, especially those located in Haicang, are also used to the
internationally accepted gas supply model.
Q: What kind of opportunities will the municipal government's decision
to build Xiamen into a Bay City bring to Linde?
A: Being a gas supplier, Linde industrial gases are used throughout the
world as invisible helpers in almost all sectors of industry, for whom
gas is a basic raw material. We must follow our customers wherever they
go. The municipal government's decision to build Bay City will surely
attract more foreign investment, as the living and investment
environment should improve. Linde Gas, therefore, can get access to
more potential customers. Consequently, in this CIFIT we are about to
make an investment of US$ 37 million in Haicang to build the largest
air separation plant in Fujian to provide gas for these customers. This
will include US$ 3 million to build one of the longest Nitrogen
pipelines in China, which will connect Haicang, Jimei and Xinglin.
Q: As a multi-national company that has local employees working for it,
how do you regard those employees' performance?
A: The key factors in sustainable success for any company are the
skills and commitment of its employees. To our satisfaction, we have
recruited a large number of qualified local employees, who are
industrious and devoted. To create a climate of inter-cultural
learning, we send employees to other countries for training and
working.
When we started this business in Xiamen, we very quickly learnt that
the German Linde culture and the local Chinese culture needed to
cooperate with each other, as we have to cooperate with our customers.
Therefore, we always follow one strict line. We need to negotiate and
cooperate with our customers. We need to follow Chinese rules. As the
old English saying goes: when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Q: Mr. Conrad, it is said that you previously lived in Xiamen for five
years. What were your impressions about Xiamen before this trip? And
what are the differences that you have found this time?
A: Before this trip, I was traveling widely in the Chinese countryside
from 1993 to 1995 with Dr. Li. When we finally arrived in Xiamen, we
found political openness. Then we thought this would be an interesting
place to set up our business. The openness to internationally accepted
ideas was the difference. Beautiful Xiamen was on the way to becoming
what it is today, enjoying sound and healthy development. The
politicians stuck to their promises and created a favorable climate and
helped Linde set up the business. During this trip, I find all the
promises have come true. The trees we planted yesterday are big trees
now and there will be fruit tomorrow.