Thoughts on China from Shenzhen to Suzhou

In the last four decades, the mega-city Shenzhen has grown to become China's richest city with a thriving nightlife, theme parks galore and one of the world's largest ports. Far from the fishing village it started out, being China's first Special Economic Zone has allowed the city to become the top-ranked, tier-one city in The Economist Intelligence Unit's China City rankings report, according to Simon Baptist, the Chief Economist there.

Simon explains that China's workforce started shrinking in 2017 and is growing much more slowly due to the ageing population. China's tier-one cities will need to consider how to attract and maintain younger workers.  

Their top pick for cities with the most growth potential (emerging) is Suzhou, however. Just northwest of Shanghai, it is situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the shores of Lake Tai. It's booming manufacturing sector includes iron and steel, IT and electronic equipment and textile products. According to Statista, it's population has been growing every year since 1990, is estimated to be close to 6.34 million but will reach 9.81 million by 2035.

Mobility programs can better prepare for talent movement by staying in close communication with business stakeholders that are driving corporate initiatives into emerging markets, like Suzhou. Are you aware of where your company will need to send talent in 2019? Are you prepared or preparing for mobilizing talent for any new or challenging locations? If cities in China are on your list, try one of these resources: China Mobility - Tax Fundamentals or China Mobility - Immigration Fundamentals.