Under the motto "Ni hao China" the NRW Bundesliga football club FC Schalke 04 traveled to the People's Republic in July with its professional team. With the support of NRW.INVEST the club was able to intensify its relations with the Chinese economy.
At a welcome dinner in Shanghai, S04 welcomed partners and sponsors as well as delegates from regional economic politics. Among the guests were Chinese companies such as the search engine group Baidu as well as German companies active in China. Petra Wassner, CEO of NRW.INVEST, highlighted the close economic relations between NRW and China, emphasizing the extent to which factors such as the popularity of Bundesliga clubs in China positively influence Sino-German relations.
Schalke's marketing director Alexander Jobst described the club's trip as a chance to present the team in China and thereby win new fans; on the other hand, he welcomed the opportunity to acquire additional partners for the club. "China is one of the most important target markets in terms of our long-term internationalization strategy. This is why our second consecutive visit gives us the perfect opportunity to make Schalke 04 even more famous internationally and to generate constant interest. It is important to act sustainably and consistently in China," said Jobst.
Like many other Bundesliga clubs, Schalke has been active in China for several years. The club communicates daily via a total of 20 Chinese club media channels and portals with around 1.3 million people. In addition, S04 is committed to the development of new talent: In 2015 and 2016, for example, ten coaches from the club's own football school held camps for young players in Kunshan and Peking. Schalke recently signed a three-year agreement with the city government of Kunshan to promote young talent.
As part of the cooperation with NRW.INVEST, marketing boss Jobst will also participate as a podium guest at this year's Business and Investors Forum China, which will be held in Duisburg on 19 October.
