New Silk Road creates business opportunities

Duin led a delegation to China last October and was impressed by its transportation infrastructure, including a well-developed rail network and international airports.

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"The growth of the Chinese economy over the past decades has been one of the miracles of modern economic development," Duin said. "Nevertheless, it is still on the way to becoming the world's leading economy."

The rapid economic growth brought prosperity to China, but at the same time, it also led to many problems, which were "well identified and approached" in China, Duin argued.

"The Chinese leadership apparently focuses not on quantitative growth but on qualitative and sustainable growth for future development," he said.

Duin sees the market, infrastructure, qualified workforce and subsidies as factors attracting foreign investment there. Through its representative offices in Nanjing, Shanghai and Beijing, NRW's State-owned economic development agency provides Chinese companies with information about the state as a business location, its investment climate, legal and social conditions and market opportunities.

Chinese companies have focused on mergers and acquisitions in Germany since 2010. "As a rule, these are strategic acquisitions designed to continue product lines and secure jobs," he said.

Chinese investors will get more involved in Germany and Europe, according to Duin.