Turning challenges into opportunities for EU companies in China

Managers from EU companies and especially from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are given the unique opportunity to train as China experts and boost their careers as well as their companies' business opportunities. The EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Programme (METP) which started in 2006 has been extended by the European Commission and China this summer due to the constantly rising number of applicants and high rate of success achieved so far.

At a round table event in Brussels to mark the launch of the fifth METP call for applications, Franz Jessen, Head of China Unit in the European Commission DG External relations, welcomed the extension of the programme. "This programme creates a powerful example for others to follow. It is built on years of experience and the participants have been overwhelmingly satisfied – they feel like they have been put on a new and better career track."

"The concept of METP is based on the conviction that a ten-month programme with language courses, intercultural trainings, internships and company visits creates the foundation for long-term success in one of the word's most dynamic economies", says Stefan Hell, METP team leader in Beijing. "Perhaps best of all, METP is not limited to a specific industry, so managers from all sectors can apply and use METP as a springboard for their particular business plans."

Former participant, Frédéric Poncin, emphasised the on-the-ground experience that METP provides. "There is a huge gap between theory and practice in an area like this – you really have to live it.  METP is your survival kit."

The next round of ten-month training will start in May 2010, with deadlines for applications 7 January 2009. It will provide intensive business Chinese language studies as well as hands-on experience during work placements in a Chinese business environment. The fully-funded European Commission programme includes a monthly stipend.

Currently, the fourth intake of 105 managers is being trained. Besides the organisation of the whole stay, the EU covers all tuition fees and provides participants with a monthly living allowance (1.000 Euros). All graduates receive an official diploma signed by the EU Ambassador to China and the President of the Chinese Chamber of International Trade. Applicants should have no or only very limited knowledge of Chinese language. For further information about application modalities, to download the application dossier and for general information about METP visit www.metp.net.cn or contact the METP hotline at +49 69 15402 638.

The EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Programme (METP) is a five-year intergovernmental cooperation project between the European Commission and the Government of the People's Republic of China. Placed within the dynamic context of continuously evolving relations between the EU and China, the non-profit programme is designed to enhance business expertise by developing European and Chinese human resources. METP aims to train and financially support internships for 450 Chinese managers in the EU and European managers in China. The programme is implemented by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade from 2006 to 2011, and total funding from the EC and the Government of China is 23 million Euros.