GSOM SPbU launches educational programme for exporters to Chinese markets
The Graduate School of Management at St Petersburg University (GSOM SPbU), with the support of VTB Bank and the Export School of the Russian Export Center (REC), is launching the educational programme «Business with China: Export Strategies and Tools». The project partners with School of Management at Harbin Institute of Technology, which will provide participants with connections to Chinese experts and business communities.
This additional educational programme is designed for Russian entrepreneurs looking to enter the Chinese market. Leading experts from VTB Bank and REC, as well as industry leaders with unique experience in conducting transnational business between Russia and China, will share practical knowledge with participants, helping them prepare their companies for successful export to China and establish reliable business connections with Chinese partners.
The courses commence on 8 October 2024. The first run of the programme will focus on Russian producers in the food and agro‑industrial complex.
As Olga Dergunova, VTB Bank Deputy President and Chairman of the Management Board, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St Petersburg University, explained, leading business schools in Russia and China, St Petersburg University, and HIT are currently pooling their resources to train a new generation of highly qualified specialists in foreign economic relations. This important initiative originated during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Harbin in May this year.
The joint efforts of universities, businesses and government structures are creating new opportunities to unlock the significant potential for business cooperation between our countries. The mutual interest of Russian and Chinese entrepreneurs in cooperation is growing. The unique expertise of VTB Bank and REC will provide good support for companies that see prospects in developing bilateral cooperation with China.
Olga Dergunova, GSOM SPbU Director
Over the course of eight weeks, participants will learn about the specifics of the Chinese market and tools for its analysis, possible export strategies and forms of presence in the Chinese market, the protection of rights and verification of partner reliability in China, customs features, and other important issues in an online format.
During the final two‑day intensive boot camp on‑campus at the GSOM SPbU in St Petersburg, students will be able to learn more about the cultural nuances of doing business in China, as well as study preparation for negotiations with Chinese partners and the specifics of Chinese etiquette.
GSOM SPbU is a leading Russian business school, established at St Petersburg University, the oldest Russian university and one of the largest centres for science, education, and culture. The only business school in Russia with the "triple crown" of international accreditations from independent associations AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, it is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide with similar recognition. It is a recognised centre for research and education in management. Representatives of VTB Bank sit on the GSOM SPbU board of trustees alongside business leaders, government officials, and members of the international academic community.
GSOM SPbU is a leading Russian business school, established at St Petersburg University, the oldest Russian university and one of the largest centres for science, education, and culture. The only business school in Russia with the '"riple crown" of international accreditations from independent associations AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, it is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide with similar recognition. It is a recognised centre for research and education in management. Representatives of VTB Bank sit on the GSOM SPbU board of trustees alongside business leaders, government officials, and members of the international academic community.
Harbin Institute of Technology, or HIT, is one of the largest research universities, part of the C9 League (an alliance of elite universities in China). HIT campuses are located in the cities of Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), Weihai (Qingdao Province), and Shenzhen (Guangdong Province). According to the QS World University Rankings for 2024, HIT ranks 256th in the world, and US News & World Report places it 196th in the ranking of the best universities in the world. The HIT faculty includes 2,900 full‑time educators, including 1,950 professors and associate professors, and 41 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
The Russian Export Center (REC Group, part of VEB.RF) is a state‑owned institute supporting non‑resource non‑energy exports, providing companies from all sectors with financial and non‑financial assistance at all stages of entering foreign markets, including under the national project "International Cooperation and Export". The REC Group also includes the Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR), ROSKHIMBANK, and the ANO "Export School".
Optionally, following the educational programme, participants may sign up for a mentoring block with the opportunity to refine their plans for entering the Chinese market under the individual guidance of consultants from REC. Additionally a study trip module to Harbin is planned for January 2025, which will include visits to Chinese enterprises and business associations, providing participants with unique opportunities to find clients and establish business contacts.