Published by ChinaMNC · Jiangyan
Jiangsu and CMG Sign Strategic Cooperation: Brand Empowerment for Foreign Founders
Jiangsu province and China Media Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement on October 20 in Nanjing, launching the 'Brand Power Project' and related media initiatives. This article explains what the partnership means for foreign founders and offers practical guidance for registering and operating a company in China.
Jiangsu and CMG Sign Strategic Cooperation: Brand Empowerment for Foreign Founders
On October 20, a strategic cooperation signing ceremony between Jiangsu Province and China Media Group (CMG) took place in Nanjing. The event was attended by Xin Changxing, Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee, and Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and President of CMG, both of whom delivered speeches. For foreign founders considering or already operating a business in China, this high-level partnership signals important opportunities in branding, media exposure, and innovation collaboration.
What the Cooperation Covers
The core of the agreement is the “Brand Power Project” (品牌强国工程), a strategic cooperation intention signed between Jiangsu Province and CMG. The project aims to empower Chinese brands to expand their global influence. At the ceremony, several media actions were launched, including:
- The second season of “Youth Sci-Tech Innovation +” (《青年科创+》第二季)
- “CMG Film Culture Carnival · Changzhou Special” (CMG电影文化嘉年华·常州专场)
- Promotion of the Jiangsu episode of the documentary “Drinking from the Same River” (《共饮一江水》江苏篇)
- The media integration activity “Little Trumpet and Children’s Voices Together” (小喇叭与童声同行)
- “Chinese Poetry Conference · Zhenjiang Poetry Event” (中国诗词大会·镇江诗会)
These initiatives reflect a broad effort to enhance brand building and cultural promotion, which can benefit foreign companies looking to raise their profile in the Chinese market.
Why This Matters for Foreign Founders
Xin Changxing emphasized that brands are an important symbol and focal point of high-quality development. He expressed the hope that both sides will use this signing as an opportunity to create more cooperative outcomes and contribute to building a strong brand nation and advancing Chinese modernization. For foreign founders, this means that local government support for brand development is strong, and partnering with or leveraging provincial resources could be advantageous.
Shen Haixiong noted that General Secretary Xi Jinping has entrusted Jiangsu with the mission of taking the lead and setting an example in advancing Chinese modernization. In recent years, Jiangsu has accelerated its efforts to become an important base for developing new quality productive forces, steadily advancing the new practice of Chinese modernization in Jiangsu, and painting a new vivid picture of “strong, rich, beautiful, and high.” As the world’s largest comprehensive international media group by scale, business forms, and coverage, CMG’s “Brand Power Project” continues to empower a large number of Chinese brands to stand at the forefront and expand their global influence. CMG is speeding up the systematic reform of mainstream media, with its leadership, dissemination, and influence continuously rising. The signing of the “Brand Power Project” strategic cooperation and the launch of a series of media actions are concrete measures to implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and jointly promote high-quality development. CMG will continue to deepen Jiangsu-themed narratives, jointly build a brand empowerment cooperation matrix, and deepen central-local scientific and technological innovation coordination, using innovative means to help Jiangsu brands break out and spread.
For foreign founders, these statements indicate that Jiangsu is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and brand building, with strong media support. This could translate into opportunities for foreign-invested enterprises to participate in local innovation ecosystems and benefit from media exposure.
Practical Guidance for Foreign Founders
If you are a foreign founder looking to register or operate a company in China, particularly in Jiangsu, here are some practical steps to consider based on the context of this cooperation:
- Understand the local policy environment: Jiangsu is actively promoting high-quality development and new quality productive forces. Familiarize yourself with provincial policies that may offer incentives for technology, innovation, and brand-related activities.
- Leverage media and branding opportunities: The “Brand Power Project” and related media actions show that there is a strong emphasis on brand building. Consider how your company can align with such initiatives to enhance visibility.
- Engage with local government and partners: The presence of provincial and municipal leaders at the signing, including Zhou Hongbo, Xu Ying, Chen Zhongwei, Shen Jianrong from Jiangsu and Nanjing, and Zhou Zhenhong from CMG, underscores the importance of government relations. Building relationships with local authorities and business associations can facilitate market entry.
- Participate in innovation and cultural events: Events like “Youth Sci-Tech Innovation +” and the film carnival can provide networking and promotional platforms. Keep an eye on such activities for potential involvement.
- Ensure compliance and proper registration: While this article is not legal advice, foreign founders should consult professionals to navigate company registration, tax, and regulatory requirements. China’s Foreign Investment Law and negative list approach apply, and local implementation may vary.
Key Takeaways
The strategic cooperation between Jiangsu and CMG highlights the province’s commitment to brand development and media influence. For foreign founders, this environment offers potential advantages in terms of visibility, innovation support, and government engagement. However, successful market entry requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations.
Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.