German Centre Taicang is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of helping German businesses navigate the Chinese market and fostering closer economic ties between the two countries.

German Centre Taicang, as the third such facility in China, after precursors in Beijing and Shanghai, represents a breakthrough in the global network of German Centres, which had traditionally been located in national capitals or major international cities.

For Marieke Bossek, general manager of the Taicang facility, connecting German standards of quality and efficiency with the dynamism of the Chinese market is part of her daily work. She welcomes business delegations and prospective investors, arranges visits and answers companies' questions about doing business in China.

The centre's growth has mirrored Taicang's expanding German business community. When it opened in 2016, more than 200 German companies had established operations in the city. By this June, that number had more than doubled.

Over the past decade, the centre's client base has expanded beyond German companies to include businesses from other European countries, as wel as Japan, South Korea and China. Their fields range from machinery manufacturing and finance to law, chemicals, logistics, agriculture, and information technology.

Bossek understands how differences in language, business culture and expectations can lead to misunderstandings. She sees herself as a bridge between the two sides, helping clients cut through uncertainty and gain a clearer picture of China's business environment.

She recalls a German entrepreneur who called the center while considering setting up a company in China. Having heard rumors that bank account information could be accessed arbitrarily, the businessman was deeply concerned. The center explained the legal framework and reassured him the scenario he feared was not how the system worked.

The call highlighted how unfamiliarity with Chinese law can fuel cross-cultural misconceptions. In response, German Centre Taicang established an institute that regularly invites lawyers and industry experts to deliver training on policies, regulations and business practices.

Now, the center is looking toward a new role. As more Chinese companies explore opportunities overseas, it is considering how to support their expansion into Germany and other European markets.