China up close: How German SMEs connect with China’s industrial and innovation backbone
In January 2026, a delegation of German Mittelstand companies led by Markus Schmidt of Alois Müller Group and organized by AHK Greater China completed a week-long tour and visited manufacturers, tech labs and startups to gain direct insight into China’s industrial and innovation ecosystem. The trip confirmed the importance of firsthand experience, trusted local partners and open dialogue, strengthened cross‑border ties.