Manfred H. Krost is the founder of Krost Business Consulting (Taicang) Co Ltd. [Photo/WeChat account: tcsrmtzx]

Manfred H. Krost, honorary citizen of Suzhou and Taicang, passed away in his hometown in Kaiserslautern, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, on March 25 at the age of 83.

The government of Taicang sent its condolences on April 1, the day his funeral was held.

"Krost loves China and Taicang, and has made great contributions to promoting China-Germany cooperation and friendship," the message reads.

Krost arrived in Taicang in 1995 and worked as the managing director of Schaeffler (China) Company Limited. During his tenure, Schaeffler (China) achieved remarkable development.

After Krost retired, he founded a consulting company in 2004 to cater to German and European companies looking to set up operations in Taicang. Hundreds of firms have benefited from his help.

Over the past two years, though he was working in Germany, Krost still maintained close cooperative ties with his Chinese team.

Wreaths at the funeral of Manfred H. Krost in Kaiserslautern, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, on April 1. [Photo/WeChat account: tcsrmtzx]

Even in his last days, Krost was still engaged in helping connect German firms with Taicang. About three weeks ago, a German company which Krost had been in contact with for two years decided to set up operations in Taicang.

According to incomplete statistics, Krost helped introduce at least 30 German firms to Taicang. He also offered consulting services to more than 100 foreign firms operating in the city.

In 2016, the Krost Business Consulting (Taicang) Co Ltd became the first tenant of the German Center Taicang, alongside 10 small and medium-sized German companies.