1. Project Background

In 2025, Chinese manufacturing will usher in the European Year of Opportunities.

Faced with the decoupling and tariff game between China and the United States, Chinese companies need new growth opportunities. Europe has become an ideal market with improved rule of law, strong economy, and continuous innovation. The energy price rise and supply chain pressure brought by the Russia-Ukraine conflict forced Europe to accelerate industrial autonomy and green transformation, creating an opportunity for China's new energy and intelligent manufacturing technology output. Trillion euro level military investment restarts the industrial system, opening a strategic window for high-end manufacturing cooperation.

The Huazhi International "Specialized and Innovative · Hidden Crown Entrepreneurs European Business Inspection Team" will focus on Germany and Switzerland from September 6th to 14th, under the leadership of former Ambassador to Germany, Shi Mingde, Chief Advisor. It will directly visit the IFA 2025 Berlin International Consumer Electronics Show, visit the four Industry 4.0 origins of Berlin, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Zurich, and Basel, and deconstruct the growth logic of hidden champions.

A nine day in-depth trip will engage in dialogues with government, universities, and industry leaders to decode the growth logic of Europe's hidden champions.

With 20 years of overseas study abroad experience, Huazhi International helps you quickly connect with local resources within a compliant framework, achieving a one-stop solution of "compliance adaptation+resource grafting". We sincerely invite entrepreneurs to join hands and embark on a journey to Europe, seizing the high ground of China's manufacturing upgrade!

2. Travel features

China Germany policy hub docking

Read with the Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Germany and discuss Germany's access policies for Chinese investment and the hidden champion cooperation window.

Empowering top research institutions

Visit the Fraunhofer IPA Institute to unlock the "symbiotic code" of smart factories - incubating 520 technology companies annually (with a survival rate of 96%), learning its "R&D outsourcing+experimental verification+production optimization" model, and shortening the technology transformation cycle.

The survival rule of the century old invisible champion

Visit Faber Castell (the pencil giant of 263) and Festo (the leader in pneumatic components), decode the "millimeter level technology iteration" strategy (such as Faber Castell's graphite clay ratio patent), and explore how low attention areas can build global irreplaceability.

IFA 2025 Technology Benchmark

Deeply participated in the world's largest consumer electronics exhibition, directly targeting the debut of Chinese technologies such as Huawei's whole house intelligence and CATL's new energy solutions (accounting for 35% of the total), and connected with green technologies such as face-to-face door light storage and charging systems, leveraging a 4.7 billion euro on-site transaction ecosystem.

The Blue Shake of High end Equipment Invisible Champion

In depth visits to Bosch, the world's largest automotive parts supplier, and piston/filter stealth champion Mahler to explore cutting-edge technology and management, benchmarking the growth path of stealth champions.

Capitalization Practice of Ruitu Technology

Zurich focuses on the transformation of capital and technology (such as the Heidelberg University industry university research model), while Basel explores the hidden champion clusters driven by pharmaceutical giants in segmented fields, learning the construction of a "technology capital standard" trinity ecosystem.

Enlightenment from the integration of academia and industry

The course at the Technical University of Berlin decodes the three principles of "policy empowerment+technological hegemony+global cultivation", and explores the symbiotic gene of "precision rationality" between Zeiss optics and Hegelian philosophy in the small town of Jena.

Resonance between History and Business Ethics

Visits such as the Berlin Wall and the Nuremberg Trials revealed the civilizational proposition of "rules ending barbarism", echoing the survival philosophy of the invisible champion "forging technological hegemony in the cracks of the system".

3. Schedule arrangement

September 6th Beijing Berlin

Embark on Berlin, Policy Decoding, Cultural Exploration

Morning: Go to Berlin

Afternoon: Official Visit: My Embassy in Germany

Visit theme: How to leverage the most reliable bilateral relationship between China and Germany in Europe to further establish the European roots of Made in China?  

Guest speaker: Commercial Counselor

Highlights of the visit:

The Chinese Embassy in Germany, as a "strategic hub" of Sino German relations, has promoted the upgrading of Sino German relations from a "comprehensive strategic partnership" to a "comprehensive strategic partnership"; Achieved the economic and trade miracle of "Germany's 47 consecutive years as China's largest trading partner in Europe".  

Interpreting the policy trends of Germany towards investment, mergers and acquisitions, and establishment of points for Chinese enterprises; Analyze the role and cooperation window of hidden champion enterprises in the German economy; Share typical cases, successful paths, and common challenges of Chinese companies' development in Germany; Expand the network of political and business resources stationed in Germany, and open up policy channels for future deep cooperation

Cultural Visit: German Resistance Memorial Center

Visit theme: From Resistance Spirit to Business Conscience - Forging Resilience in the Gap of Rules

Highlights of the visit: The German Resistance Memorial Center takes the site of the assassination of Hitler by Stauffenberg as its historical site, revealing the eternal proposition of individual conscience choices and institutional tension under authoritarian oppression through real resistance stories of civilians and soldiers (clergy, students, citizens, etc.).

This center is not only a memorial site for the resistance movement during World War II, but also a spiritual laboratory for humanity in the face of systemic evil. Its exhibition logic hits the essence: in the historical torrent, individual silence is collusion, while resistance - regardless of success or failure - is the adherence to the bottom line of human nature.

September 7th, Berlin

IFA Exhibition: In Depth Exploration and Insights into Consumer Electronics and Intelligent Manufacturing Trends

all day

Exhibition Visit: IFA 2025 Berlin International Consumer Electronics Show

Core value: AI reshapes the experience, green defines the future

Highlights of the visit: As the world's largest and oldest consumer electronics and home appliance exhibition, IFA has set a record of 4.7 billion euros in on-site transactions by connecting over 210000 professional visitors from 138 countries and 1800 exhibitors (such as Huawei, Siemens, etc.), and has become a core springboard for Chinese brands to go global in Europe.  

IFA 2025 positions China as a global innovation engine for the first time: China's technology debut accounts for 35%, and Huawei's whole house intelligence, DJI's vehicle mounted unmanned aerial vehicle, and CATL's new energy solutions have entered the global debut sequence.  

As the focus of the exhibition, AI technology will run through scenarios such as smart homes, consumer electronics, and industrial interconnectivity. Under the guidance of professional technical personnel, in-depth explanations will be given on key exhibition areas and exchanges will be held with representatives of German small and medium-sized technology enterprises participating in the exhibition to understand their product export strategies and innovations, and to explore the application and implementation paths of new technologies in the manufacturing industry.

Cultural visits: Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building

Visit theme: We stand at the most important strategic crossroads in the 80 years since the end of World War II

Highlights of the visit: The Berlin Wall, a symbol of world confrontation during the Cold War, divided Berlin into east and west parts for 28 years. It not only represents extreme ideological opposition, but also profoundly affects the fate of countless families and individuals.    

The Brandenburg Gate, originally built in the 18th century as a symbol of Prussian glory, witnessed Nazi rallies, Cold War isolation, and German reunification in the 20th century.

The Reichstag witnessed the rise of the empire, the fall of Nazism, the suffering of division, and the rebirth of democracy. The dome, which was damaged after World War II, was redesigned by British architect Norman Foster as a transparent glass structure, symbolizing the acceptance of power under the supervision of the people.

September 8th, Berlin

Invisible Champion Gene and Cultural Exploration

Morning: Academic institution: Berlin Institute of Technology

Theme Course: "Decoding the Gene of Hidden Champions: Policy Empowerment, Technological Hegemony, and Global Cultivation"

Guest speaker: Walter D ö ring, former Minister of Economic Affairs of Baden-W ü rttemberg and EU SME Policy Advisor

Course Highlights: The Technical University of Berlin is a member of the TU9 (Union of Nine German Universities) and is renowned as one of the top research-oriented universities worldwide. Having multiple world leading research institutes and laboratories, cultivating numerous Nobel laureates and engineering and technical experts.  

Walter D ö ring, as a policy advisor for small and medium-sized enterprises in the European Union, participated in drafting the White Paper on European Industrial Revitalization. This course will build a supportive ecosystem through policy empowerment (German tax leverage+EU technology standard output), strengthen innovation barriers through technological hegemony (patent layout+industry university research customization conversion), and achieve market customization and risk balance through global intensive cultivation (regional deep customization+technology authorization strategy), decoding the three core principles of European hidden champions from local deep cultivation to global domination.

Afternoon: Berlin Nuremberg (approximately 5 hours) via Jena

Cultural Visit: Jena

Visit theme: The pinnacle of all precision instruments is the embodiment of philosophical ideas

Highlights of the visit: Jena takes Goethe's "hub of knowledge and science" as its spiritual core, blends the Hegelian philosophical temple with the Zeiss optical cradle, and condenses the dual epic of German intellectual enlightenment and industrial precision through the unique urban texture of classical architecture and laser laboratories coexisting.

This is a small university town that combines philosophical heritage and technological innovation spirit. Strolling through it, one can not only touch Hegel's desk where he wrote "Phenomenology of Spirit", but also glimpse the reconstructed starry universe under the Zeiss microscope, which can be regarded as the most condensed space-time capsule of German rational spirit.

September 9th Nuremberg

German industrial and commercial hub, gathering place for precision manufacturing hidden champion cluster

Morning: Corporate Visit: Hui Bai Jia

Visit theme: How to achieve century old inheritance and global respect?  

Guest speaker: Global Product Development Director

Highlights of the visit: A model of invisible champion enterprise in the global writing tool field, deeply cultivating the pencil track for 263 years. By building barriers through millimeter level technological iteration, we have long held a world leading position in segmented markets such as pencils and colored pencils. Our products are exported to more than 120 countries, with an annual sales volume of 2 billion units and a market share of over 40%.

Explore how companies can establish and consolidate their global leadership position in niche areas with low attention but high competitiveness; Share the experience of implementing green design and sustainable production in the manufacturing sector; Deeply discuss how century old family businesses can maintain innovation vitality, inherit culture, and achieve global expansion.

Afternoon: Cultural Visit: Nuremberg Tribunal

Visit theme: As the clouds of renewed war gather over Europe, a new international system is quietly taking shape

Highlights of the visit: At the historical site of the Nuremberg Trial Chamber No. 600, the double shock of the original Goering defendant's seat and the original footage of the trial was achieved.  

When your fingertips touch the cold railing of the defendant's seat, it's as if you hear the echo of the century when the hammer struck in 1945- it declares: the justice of the victors will eventually be elevated to the justice of the rules, and the law is the only antidote to barbarism. ——The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the trial, highlighting the eternal proposition of humanity ending barbarism with rules.

September 10th Stuttgart

A key town in the automotive industry, the cradle of high-end equipment hidden champions

Morning: Business Visit: Bosch Group

Visit Topic: Innovation Management, Lean Production, and Sustainable Development Practices of Global Technology Giants

Highlights of the visit: Industry 4.0 Lighthouse Factory: On site inspection of its advanced automation and digital production lines, experiencing the practical applications of human-machine collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and predictive maintenance.  

Innovation Incubation Mechanism: Understand how Bosch establishes internal innovation mechanisms (such as start-up platforms, cross departmental collaboration) and an open innovation ecosystem, continuously leading technological changes (especially in the fields of electrification, hydrogen energy, and industrial Internet of Things).  

Sustainable Development Strategy: Exploring its technological pathways (such as hydrogen fuel injection technology), green factory practices, and supply chain management under the goal of carbon neutrality.  

Afternoon: Business Visit: Mahle GmbH (Mahle Group)

Visit theme: The transformation path of the hidden champion of automotive core components: from the king of internal combustion engines to the pioneer of electrification.  

Highlights of the visit: Model of strategic transformation: Focus on examining its rapid layout, technological breakthroughs, and investment strategies in the field of electrification (such as battery thermal management, electric drive systems, electronic compressors), and how to balance traditional advantages with emerging opportunities.

Global Operations and Localization: Exploring how as a global supplier, it manages complex international supply chains and meets the needs of customers in different regions (with a particular focus on strategies for the Chinese market).

Governance and Inheritance of Family Businesses: Mahler is a typical German family business (held by foundations), understand how its unique governance structure ensures long-term strategy and independence.

September 11th Stuttgart Zurich

The 'converter' of global capital and cutting-edge technology

Morning: Corporate Visit: Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation IPA

Visit theme: From laboratory to industrial chain - unlocking the "symbiotic code" of German intelligent manufacturing

Highlights of the visit: The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA) is an authoritative research institution in the field of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing worldwide. Led the national strategy of intelligent manufacturing in Germany and developed core technologies for smart factories. Annual research funding exceeds 80 million euros, and we have collaborated with companies such as Mercedes Benz and BMW to implement pilot projects for smart factories. Incubate 520 technology companies with a survival rate of 96%, promoting the industrialization of disruptive achievements such as MP3 audio technology.  

Visit the demonstration factory: learn about the future factory model created by IPA, including key technology modules such as intelligent robots, flexible assembly lines, human-computer cooperation and edge computing systems.

Afternoon: Stuttgart Zurich (3 hours)

Cultural visits: Gross Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, Lindenhof Hill, Nidorf neighborhood

Visit topic: Why are small countries not necessarily weak countries?  

Highlights of the visit: Visiting Gross Cathedral: One of the birthplaces of the Reformation, explaining Ulrich Zwingli and his influence on the European Reformation.

St. Peter's Church: Featuring the largest clock face in Europe, learn about the historical and living details of Zurich citizens.  

Lindenhof Hill: overlooking the Limmat River, tracing the ruins of Roman era fortresses.  

Nidorf block: Visit ancient bookstores, handicraft shops, and traditional cafes along the street to experience the slow pace and exquisite feeling of urban life.

9月12日苏黎世-巴塞尔

Pharmaceutical and chemical giants drive hidden champion clusters in segmented fields

Morning: Corporate Visit: Swiss National Innovation Park

Visit theme: "Capital tentacles+technological depth" to accelerate technological industrialization

Highlights of the visit: Exploring how Switzerland can promote enterprise technological upgrading and globalization through the deep integration of capital and technology, achieving a transition from a "regional champion" to a "global leader".

Afternoon: Corporate Visit: Basel Biovalley

Visit theme: Ecological synergy in the life science industry

Highlights of the visit: Investigating environmental technology companies (such as biodegradable material developers) that cooperate with chemical giants, and exploring cross-border transformation paths for green technologies.

September 13-14, Zurich - Beijing

Return to China and safely arrive in Beijing

The specific itinerary is subject to actual conditions

4. Registration details

PS: Overseas routes are special, and if there are any changes, the actual route arrangement will prevail

Study tour time: September 6-14, 2025, 9 days and 7 nights

Travel location:

Germany (Berlin, Nuremberg, Stuttgart)

Switzerland (Zurich, Basel)

Chief Advisor: Shi Mingde (former Ambassador to Germany and President of the China Germany Friendship Association)

Registration Consultation

Phone: 021-65100809 (Shanghai)

010-68334391 (Beijing)