China Business Forum at IBA Was an Eye-Opener for Many

31. oktober 202531. oktober 2025

“It was an eye-opener.”

That was the recurring comment during the coffee break when IBA Business Academy Kolding hosted this year’s China Business Forum 2025. The reaction followed an engaging and thought-provoking presentation by the event’s first speaker – China analyst Christina Boutrup.

Kina-analytikeren Christina Boutrup — China analyst Christina Boutrup opened the day’s event with an introduction to China that surprised many. She described how far the country has advanced in areas such as the green transition, prototype development, and modern technology — well beyond European standards.

In her talk, she described China as the world’s green superpower – and more than that. Christina Boutrup outlined, point by point, how China has taken the lead in a wide range of areas when it comes to developing modern technology and automated services. At the same time, the country has invested massively in electricity and renewable energy.

To opmærksomme studerende i publikum — Sofiia Luubnytska and Peter Thøgersen are both students at IBA — studying, respectively, for a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and an Academy Profession Degree in Financial Management. In the evenings, they have chosen to study Chinese at the Confucius Institute, which is based at IBA.

“The Chinese produce much faster and on a larger scale than any other country. They develop far more products than anyone else, and they are constantly creating new brands that take over markets from well-known European and American names. China manufactures one-third of all goods in the world – and that share is still growing,” said Christina.

As part of her presentation, she showed a video where she effortlessly received a cup of iced coffee delivered by drone in the middle of a Chinese park. In another video, she herself took a short flight in an unmanned drone – which, naturally, placed her gently back on the ground after the trip.

One of those impressed by China’s dynamism was Product Manager Klaus Bo Jensen from Alfa Laval. He attended the China Business Forum at IBA to gain new insights and strengthen his network of partners who also work with China.

Produktionschef Klaus Bo Jensen fra Alfa Laval — Production Manager Klaus Bo Jensen from Alfa Laval has several years of experience running business operations in China. He attended the forum to gain new insights and strengthen his network among others who also trade with Chinese companies.

“At Alfa Laval we have extensive trade with China, so I’m always very interested in getting new perspectives. China is a vast and dynamic country, with constant technological and political developments. As a Danish company, you must keep up with what’s happening in China – otherwise you risk falling behind the competition,” said the product manager.

After the coffee break, the China Business Forum continued with expert presentations by Fouad Ben Abdelaziz and Aldo P. H. M. Spaanjaars, who shared their insights on China’s present and future – in terms of development, technology, and geopolitical influence. An influence that will also be felt by Danish businesses.

The China Business Forum is an event that shares current knowledge about China with Danish companies, and anyone interested in the topic. It is organized by the Confucius Institute at IBA.

All participants received a small metal pin featuring both the Danish and Chinese flags. The collaboration between the two countries was also the theme addressed by Associate Professor Morten Kier from IBA in his opening speech.

Paneldebat på scenen — Entrepreneur and owner Aldo P. H. M. Spaanjaars (far left in the panel) has lived and worked in China for many years. “Get used to change — or you ‘die’. And it always starts with data,” was one of his key messages to companies wishing to do business in China. On the right is the day’s moderator, Jesper Herold Halle.

“We are different nations, but remember that diversity can also be a resource. At the same time, we share many common values that collaboration can build upon. I believe that together we can find solutions that truly matter – both for individual companies and for society as a whole,” said Morten Kier.