Ten-month Executive Training in China.

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The European Commission and the government of China have decided to extend the EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Programme (METP) by a further intake. The fifth METP intake will start in May 2010. The application phase started on September 21, 2009 and will end on January 7, 2010.

METP had been launched in July 2006 as a four-year intergovernmental programme comprising four intakes. Within this scheme, about 400 managers from China and the European Union have been provided with training and internship opportunities.
“The number of applications from throughout the European Union and China has constantly risen ever since METP started. This is a clear indication that mid-level managers are fascinated by the economic potential the Chinese market offers to European businesses. The success of the programme and the rising interest of European managers in building sustainable business relations with China are reason enough to extend METP by a further intake that will start in 2010,” says Stefan Hell, METP team leader in Beijing.

China has evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic and constantly growing markets. But small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in particular often lack the resources to establish business relations with China. The European Commission therefore supports SMEs, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and self-employed entrepreneurs by offering METP – a ten-month executive training in China. The fully-funded programme offers EU-based companies the possibility to train their employees to become qualified experts for the Chinese market. Ideally, these experts will utilise their newly acquired skills and contacts needed to conduct business with China.
 
During METP, the selected European managers receive seven months of business Chinese language training, intercultural training, tailor-made seminars and site visits to Chinese companies, cities and administration bodies. Additionally, the participants embark on a three-month internship in a Chinese company. Long-term objective of METP is to enhance the EU’s relationship with China in a sustainable fashion through exchange and economic cooperation.

“The concept of METP is based on the conviction that a ten-month programme with language courses, intercultural trainings, internships and company visits creates the foundation for long-term success in one of the word’s most dynamic economies”, says Stefan Hell, METP team leader in Beijing. “Perhaps best of all, METP is not limited to a specific industry, so managers from all sectors can apply and use METP as a springboard for their particular business plans.”

Former participant Frédéric Poncin emphasises the on-the-ground experience that METP provides. “There is a huge gap between theory and practice in an area like this – you really have to live it.  METP is your survival kit.”

Besides the organisation of the whole stay, the EU will cover all tuition fees and provide participants with a monthly living allowance (1.000 euros). All graduates receive an official diploma signed by the EU Ambassador to China.

For further information please visit the website of the programme www.metp.net.cn