Co-branding can help Chinese brands capture global markets

The International Monetary Fund has recently predicted that the Chinese economy will grow by 1.9 percent this year, making it the only G20 economy to register positive growth in 2020. Also, China's economy is forecast to increase by as much as 8 percent next year－and its share of global GDP is set to increase from 18.56 percent in 2020 to 20.18 percent by 2025.

True, China's rapid and robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for its economy to be back on the growth path much faster than other major economies. But what are the main drivers of China's economy and how can they be further strengthened?

China's transition from a producer of low-cost goods to a consumption-led economy is pivotal to the above statistics and the growing importance of the Chinese economy. Yet domestic spending on Chinese brands, a key indicator of modernization, remains a concern. While this should pick up in time, it is an area that needs a boost. Raising the profile of the products offered would help do that.

Perhaps Chinese brands can consider co-branding with their Western counterparts.

Chinese companies would show impressive growth figures if they create a niche in international markets and ink effective tie-ups with suitable Western partners. Events such as the China International Import Expo, held earlier this month in Shanghai, offer a platform for establishing such tie-ups.

A co-branding arrangement in which a Western and a Chinese partner agree to not only work together but also present both brand names (corporate and/or product) to the consumer, is exactly the kind of support Chinese brands need to fully exhibit their potential. As such, the Chinese government could consider incentivizing such co-branding partnerships.

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