Orca Strategy

Research and Business Planning

China's emergence as a dominant economic power is obvious. With the unique nature of the Chinese economy, opportunities need to be carefully assessed. It is important not to be distracted by 'averages' or total market sizes for China. Fierce competition, intensive government involvement, localized business practices, and differing consumer behaviour need to be understood. Orca works with listed companies and investors to perform primary and secondary research tailored for each unique situation, from a full business plan to an initial evaluative report.

While each situation has unique characteristics, it is important to be mindful of the mega-trends that comprise the underlying situation in China. Between 1985 and 2005, China became the world's factory. With current trends of rising labour wage rates, proportional reductions in the workforce size, and the increase in the value of the RMB, this phenomena will likely slow. Two new trends are being established that will once again change the complexion of the world economy, and provide opportunities for informed companies.

• China will emerge as the world's largest consumer market.  Just as China's economic revolution has been unique, characterized as "Socialism with Chinese characteristics", future growth in the Chinese internal market will be entirely unique.

• Chinese companies will develop world-class brands, and move away from OEM.  Accompanying this will be improvements in both the actual quality and the percieved quality of Chinese brands.

For further information about these and other macro-level trends within China, including international education, green technology, and the rise in CSR, please see below.