On October 19th, the second RCEP International Engineering Design and Consulting Summit Roundtable was held in Chongqing, where industry professionals engaged in vibrant discussions about the opportunities and strategies for the design consulting sector venturing abroad.

“Taking a design firm international is like embarking on a long voyage,” stated Zhu Boshan, General Manager of Shanghai Tianqiang Management Consulting Co., Ltd. He pointed out that the design consulting industry has shifted from merely trying to “go out” to genuinely “going in.” This transformation has moved from a reactive approach to a proactive one, evolving from isolated efforts to a focus on the entire industry chain, and leveraging the strength of an entire ecosystem instead of just individual initiatives.

Wang Zhujin, Executive Vice Secretary-General of the China Survey and Design Association, emphasized that in recent years, Chinese design consulting firms have significantly strengthened their overall capabilities. They are increasingly participating in overseas design consulting projects, promoting the export of technology, standards, equipment, and management practices, thus becoming a new highlight in foreign investment cooperation.

Industry participants noted that China’s design consulting sector has a long history of international engagement, spanning various fields such as electricity, transportation, oil, and photovoltaics. In certain industries, the market opportunities and potential benefits appear to be substantial.

Kenny Lim, General Manager of LinTongPan International in Singapore, suggested that there should be a greater integration of expert resources, technology, and experience, as such collaboration could lead to the emergence of new opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of trust during the process of integration and collaboration.

Moreover, effective communication skills are crucial for success abroad. Guo Chongfeng, Deputy General Manager of China Civil Engineering Group Co., Ltd., advocated for the cultivation of versatile, multidisciplinary talent. He proposed enhancing localization elements and forming international technical and management teams to support this endeavor.