China-direct
market access
During my past 12 years in China, I have gained solid know-how and hands-on experience with international sales & marketing, business development and project management from supporting mostly Scandinavian but also US, UK and Australian SMEs seeking market access or doing business in China.
In my work, I have been providing company advice, assistance and consultancy services (e.g. legal incorporation, HR & recruitment, accounting & financial reporting, market research and partner search) and commercial real estate (industrial/office leasing and facility services).
MY STORY
Born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark with a mother from Skien, Norway and father from New York, USA has had a great personal impact on my life's journey.
Travelling, studying, working and living overseas has always felt natural and made me appreciate different cultures and peoples from around the world. I thrive in an international environment.
In 2004, I decided to leave my first job after graduation in Denmark and join a Summer University program about Doing Business in China at Tongji University in Shanghai. My plan was to look for work during my stay in China that lasted four months.
It was here, I came in contact with the Nordic Industrial Park in Ningbo south of Shanghai that was to be my home and China knowledge base from 2005-2013.
In the summer of 2007, I met the love of my life and got married on May 1, 2009 with my Chinese wife, Daisy Du. In 2013, we moved to Shanghai where we live today.
EXPERIENCE
02/2016 - Founder & CEO, China-direct.biz (Shanghai, China)
09/2014 - 01/2016 Commercial Adviser, The Trade Council, Danish Consulate General (Shanghai, China)
10/2013 - 09/2014 Business Development & Marketing Manager, CI3 Incubator (Shanghai, China)
01/2005 - 09/2013 Head of Sales & Marketing, Nordic Industrial Park Co., Ltd. (Ningbo, China)
01/2000 - 05/2004 Marketing Coordinator, Association of Danish Business Economists (Denmark)
TRACK RECORD
Commercial Adviser, The Trade Council, Danish Consulate General (Shanghai, China)
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Project managed and facilitated the establishment of three (3) Danish invested enterprises in China including investment advice, legal incorporation, office search and recruitment.
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Organized ‘maritime sponsorship event’ during the official opening of the ‘Danish Viking Exhibition’ at Suzhou Museum incl. developing concept, preparing program, and selling sponsorship packages.
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Organized exclusive ‘maritime roundtable dinner’ in Beijing hosted by the Danish Ambassador to China with 12 high-level business executives from across the Danish maritime industry in China.
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Organized ‘maritime networking event’ in Shanghai with 20 participating companies including program, guest speakers, invitations, registrations, welcome speeches, and networking reception.
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Carried out Market Study of the ‘Electric Vehicle Market in China’ including Partner Search which helped client identify and contact potential Chinese investors.
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Conducted market research, prepared and held seminar presentations about the ‘Chinese Construction & Building Materials Market’ and the ‘Chinese Maritime Market’.
Business Development & Marketing Manager, CI3 Incubator (Shanghai, China)
• Launched new marketing platform including visual identity, website and marketing materials in cooperation with the China based branding agency ‘Thread Design’ (www.threaddesign.com.cn).
Head of Sales & Marketing, Nordic Industrial Park Co., Ltd. (Ningbo, China)
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Project managed the development and launch of a new marketing & branding platform including corporate identity, branding statements, website and printed materials with the international brand consultancy ‘Leagas Delaney’ (www.leagasdelaney.com). Project value of RMB 1.25 million.
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Project managed the planning and set-up of 60 foreign-invested companies in China i.e. project schedule, milestones, deliverables, coordination and handover to secure full contract compliance.
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Prepared, negotiated and closed more than 250 leasing contracts and business service agreements (e.g. Legal Incorporation, Accounting, Recruitment) with total values of RMB 1-35 million per client.
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Secured a total occupancy rate of 88.8% on all industrial facilities for lease (123,228 m2 out of 138,765 m2 or 42 out 50 rental objects).
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Organized and hosted more than 40 delegation visits in China including the one-day ‘Automotive Factory Tour’ to Ningbo in cooperation with the EUCCC in Shanghai and joined by 37 companies.
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Planned and organized the two-day conference ‘Nordic Days’ including booth at investment symposium, business seminar, company visits and match-making with 30 participating companies.
REFERENCES
Denmark (31)
Atlas Incinerators, Barker Jørgensen, Bukh, DALI, Den-Jet, Fibertex Nonwovens, Formkon, Global Supplier, Hagens Spring, Hans Aa, Hentech, Hoyer Motors, Invactor, Jade Gate, Lemvigh-Müller, LJM Group, Logitrans, Mita Teknik, MT Højgaard, MTS Randers, Næsby Maskinfabrik, NCO, Nibo Trading, Nilfisk-Alto, Norwel, PR electronics, RMG Group/AH Industries, RMG Steel, Sondex, Tajco and Union Engineering
Norway (13)
Aarbakke/Bauer Hydraulics, Grenland KSI, Kitron, Kvilvang, Marine Aluminium, Mascot, Navslide, New Store Asia, NorDan, Scansafe, TKS, Ulstein Marine Equipment and Utvikling.org
Sweden (11)
Ålö, Hörle Automatic, Marco Lift, Metsino, Mobile Climate Control, Purus, Rimaster, Roplan, Securitas, Swede-Wheel and Talurit
USA (3)
Bunting Magnetics, EcoQuest International and Euramco Safety
Australia (2)
Auhan and Leda Security Products
UK (2)
Cooper & Turner and John Crane
SERVICES
Market Entry Appraisal - Assessment and advice
Market Research - Special focus on F&B sector
Interim Management - Provide management support and assistance during critical planning and company start-up
Legal Incorporation - Ownership structure, business license, company registrations, bank accounts and company stamps
Trademark Registration - Information & data collection, filing application and coordination
Partner Search - Identify and nominate potential sales agents, distributors or suppliers
WeChat - Set-up and manage company accounts
ICP Licensing - Filing application and coordination
Import & Export - Handle entire process and procedures
GALLERY
CONTACT
Noam David Stern 星诺
Founder & CEO, China-Direct
Mobile: +86 136 1169 1358
Skype: nodastern
Email: ndstern@hotmail.com
10F, 233 Zhenning Lu, 200050 Shanghai, China