Chris Pereira, founder and CEO of iMpact, during an interview with Shenzhen Daily at his office in Shenzhen.

From technology giants like Huawei and Alibaba to automakers such as BYD and Geely, many Chinese businesses are demonstrating their ability to compete with the best in the world.

However, their forays into international markets are motivated by more than just financial gain — it's also about fostering cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding, and contributing to the global economy.

Chris Pereira, founder and CEO of iMpact, is committed to empowering Chinese enterprises to explore overseas markets with "Shenzhen Speed" and "Shenzhen Standards." His efforts were recognized with a spot on the 2023 Forbes China Globalization Pioneers Top 30 list.

Global reach with 'Shenzhen Speed'

Pereira, whose Chinese name is Peng Jiarong, holds dual Canadian and British citizenship. At the age of 19, he went to Zhengzhou University, Henan Province, for study. Having lived in China for two decades, he is now proud to call himself a Shenzhener.

His Shenzhen story began four years ago when he was working in Huawei's public relations department. Sensing a huge opportunity to assist Chinese firms in achieving success abroad, he left Huawei in 2020 to establish iMpact.

The mission was clear: to facilitate profits, partnerships, and problem-solving for Chinese companies overseas through a suite of services including compliance research, sales and marketing, brand promotion, investment, and talent recruitment – all delivered with the efficiency and quality that Shenzhen is renowned for.

"All services are delivered according to the 'Shenzhen speed and quality.' If it's not done well, no money will be charged. We want to bring Shenzhen's high standards overseas," Pereira, speaking fluent Chinese, told Shenzhen Daily during an interview.

He has identified two core spirits that resonate deeply with him after reflecting on the essence of Shenzhen. The first is the indomitable spirit of problem-solving – it is the attitude that in the face of adversity, one must persevere and devise solutions. Pereira also admires quick responses and high productivity. It is this spirit that inspired him to establish iMpact.

Glocalization and trust

Pereira believes that the primary challenges faced by Chinese companies in going global are cross-cultural communication and trust.

As an example, he recounted helping a Chinese chain that sells Roujiamo – a traditional local snack from Shaanxi Province consisting of a bun with meat in between – to promote itself in Toronto, Canada, by engaging in charitable activities.

"This is a very small example that I like, as it exemplifies how we can truly integrate into the local community and bring the best side of Chinese culture in a way that resonates locally," Pereira said, underscoring the necessity of understanding and aligning with local values when introducing a brand's story and values to a new market.

For Pereira, trust and credibility are also paramount when companies venture into international markets. "Business, at its core, is founded on trust," he explained. "For a company to thrive overseas, it must engage with governments, hire staff, attract customers and investors, and collaborate with local organizations."

He suggested that trust can be built by understanding the other party's culture, adopting a result-oriented approach, and avoiding formalism.

According to Pereira, iMpact has helped over 200 Chinese companies successfully go global. These companies cover fields such as consumer electronics, new energy, medicine, intelligent health, and catering.

More importantly, he has witnessed a profound shift in the approach of Chinese companies. 

They have transitioned from focusing solely on exports of goods to the export of management models and brands – a transition that signifies China's ability to compete with Europe and the U.S. in terms of technology and product offerings.

SZ a place for dreams

The reason why Pereira chose Shenzhen is because he likes the city's openness and inclusiveness.

He was attracted by the city's ethos, which is encapsulated in its slogan: "Once you come to Shenzhen, you are a Shenzhener." This spirit, he says, is a magnet for individuals with ambition, drive, and a strong work ethic from around the globe.

Having spent two decades in China, Pereira has achieved two significant insights. 

"One is the importance of learning, which I gained when studying in Zhengzhou. The other is Shenzhen's importance to the world."

He emphasized that while Shenzhen offers opportunities, success is not guaranteed. However, the probability of achieving one's dreams is notably higher due to the city's vibrant networking scene.

"In Shenzhen, one is likely to find like-minded individuals in cafes, at events, or during summits, making it a hub for potential partners, customers, investors, and media contacts," he said.

The city's favorable policies toward foreign entrepreneurs in financial, tax, and legal matters have also created a conducive environment for business development, according to Pereira.

With confidence and enthusiasm for the future, Pereira envisions iMpact becoming the partner of choice for Chinese companies looking to expand internationally, which assists them in conveying the story of China more effectively. 

He also looks forward to making friends with Chinese entrepreneurs and exploring the vast potential of global markets together.