The Market Explorer Experience

In Beijing

Experience China’s service, innovation and business ecosystem first-hand.

• Guided access to CIFTIS

• Exposure to sectors including AI, healthcare, education, digital trade and professional services

• Curated business ecosystem visits and market discussions

• Cultural visits offering context on China’s history, values and modern development

• Practical guidance on Chinese business etiquette, relationship-building and decision-making

Before Departure

Prepare for China with clear commercial objectives.

• Group briefing on China market trends, business culture and CIFTIS sectors

• Discussion of market-entry models, partnership routes and commercial fit

• Guidance on how to approach the programme based on your business model

After the Programme

Turn your observations into practical next steps.

• Private one-to-one strategy session with Sinoventures

• Opportunity mapping and business-fit evaluation

• Discussion of potential partnerships and market-entry pathways

Trade in services includes far more than traditional consultancy.

It covers the expertise, technology, systems and specialist capabilities that businesses sell across borders, including:

• Technology, software and artificial intelligence

• Professional and business services

• Healthcare, MedTech and life sciences

• Education and training

• Financial, legal and advisory services

• Engineering, construction and technical expertise

• Sustainability and environmental solutions

• Tourism, culture and creative services

• Logistics, transport and supply-chain services

• Licensing, intellectual property and commercial partnerships

For many Irish businesses, the opportunity in China may not involve shipping a physical product. It may involve transferring expertise, licensing technology, supporting Chinese partners, delivering specialist services or building a long-term commercial collaboration.

The Beijing programme is designed to help participants understand where their capabilities may fit within China’s services economy.

Why trade in services

Who is the programme for?

The programme is particularly relevant for service-led, technology-enabled and knowledge-based businesses, including companies offering specialist expertise, intellectual property, digital solutions, training, healthcare innovation, engineering capability or professional services.

It is suitable for established businesses, founders and senior decision-makers who are:

• Exploring China as a market for services or expertise

• Assessing demand for technology or specialist capabilities

• Seeking strategic, licensing or commercial partners

• Considering collaboration with Chinese companies or institutions

• Evaluating whether their business model can be adapted for China

• Looking for structured market exposure before committing significant resources

A commercially focused programme

This is not a general sightseeing trip or an unguided visit to a trade exhibition.

Before travelling, Sinoventures will work with each participant to understand their business, sector and commercial objectives.

The business programme will include:

• Pre-departure assessment of participant objectives

• China business and cultural preparation

• A targeted CIFTIS schedule based on sector relevance

• Priority exhibitions, forums and business activities

• Curated introductions and selected business meetings, subject to fit and availability

• Guidance before and after important conversations

• Daily commercial debriefs

• Assessment of market fit, partnership potential and next steps

• Post-visit action planning

Participants will not be left to walk around CIFTIS without direction. Sinoventures will help them identify what is relevant, prepare for conversations and interpret what they learn.

This programme is designed to help you move from general interest in China to a clearer commercial decision.

You will gain:

• Direct exposure to China’s service economy and business environment

• A clearer understanding of whether China is commercially relevant to your business

• Insight into buyer expectations, localisation and potential partnership models

• Guided access to relevant CIFTIS exhibitions, forums and business activities

• Opportunities for relevant business conversations and visits, subject to sector fit and availability

• A deeper understanding of Chinese culture, etiquette and relationship-building

• Shared meals and cultural experiences that provide context beyond the exhibition environment

• A practical post-visit action plan based on what you have learned

The objective is not simply to attend an expo. It is to experience China in context and return with greater clarity about the opportunity, the risks and the next step for your business.

What participants will gain?

Investment and Inclusions

Programme fee: €5,500 + VAT per participant

The programme includes:

• International return flights

• Carefully selected five-star hotel

• Pre-departure China business and cultural briefing

• Seven-day curated business and cultural programme

• CIFTIS registration and access support

• A targeted CIFTIS schedule based on participant interests

• Selected business meetings and visits, subject to availability

• Bilingual commercial and cultural guidance

• Daily briefings and facilitated group debriefs

• Welcome group dinner

• Two additional group meals

• Guided Beijing cultural programme

• Admission to scheduled cultural sites

• Local transport for scheduled programme activities

• In-market programme coordination

• Post-visit action-planning session

  Six nights’ accommodation in a carefully selected five-star hotel, with a private room for each participant as standard. Twin or double-room sharing can be arranged on request for couples, family members or colleagues travelling together, subject to availability.

The programme does not include:

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Meals or activities outside the scheduled programme

Business through cultural understanding

In China, business relationships are not built only in meeting rooms.

Shared meals, hospitality and informal conversations can be as important as formal presentations. The programme therefore includes carefully selected cultural visits and group dining experiences.

These activities give participants space to build stronger relationships within the group while developing a deeper understanding of the cultural environment in which Chinese business takes place.

Programme Itinerary

Sunday, 6 September — Depart Dublin. Group departure from Dublin for Beijing.

Monday, 7 September — Arrival, orientation and welcome dinner

• Arrival and transfer to the hotel

• Check-in and rest

• Introduction to the programme

• Briefing on Beijing, CIFTIS and the Chinese business environment

• Included welcome dinner

Where suitable, one or two China-based business guests could be invited to the welcome dinner. That would create a relaxed first conversation without turning the arrival day into a formal meeting.

Tuesday, 8 September — Great Wall and China business briefing

• Guided visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall

• Lunch at participants’ own expense

• Return to Beijing during the afternoon

• Pre-CIFTIS China business briefing

• Review of each participant’s commercial objectives

• Preparation of priority exhibitions, forums and meeting targets

• Free evening and independent dinner

The business briefing could include:

• How business relationships develop in China

• What to look for at CIFTIS

• How to approach exhibitors and potential partners

• Cultural and communication considerations

• Review of scheduled meetings and introductions

Wednesday, 9 September — CIFTIS Day 1: Market orientation

• CIFTIS registration and professional visitor access

• Guided orientation to the exhibition

• Targeted sector visits based on participant interests

• Relevant forums and presentations

• Initial introductions to exhibitors and organisations

• Selected business meetings, subject to fit and availability

• End-of-day commercial debrief

• Modern Beijing shopping and lifestyle evening

The objective of Day 1 is to understand the landscape and identify the strongest opportunities for further discussion.

Thursday, 10 September — CIFTIS Day 2: Meetings and market validation

• Priority business meetings

• Sector-specific exhibitions and forums

• Matchmaking and networking activities

• Conversations with potential partners, service providers or market contacts

• Assessment of market fit, localisation requirements and possible routes forward

• End-of-day commercial debrief

• Shichahai hutong walk

Friday, 11 September — CIFTIS Day 3: Follow-up and next steps

• Follow-up meetings with relevant contacts

• Remaining priority forums and exhibition areas

• Clarification of potential opportunities

• Collection of practical information and contact details

• Identification of post-visit actions

• Final CIFTIS debrief

• Included closing meal with Beijing Opera performance

The purpose of Day 3 is not to collect more business cards. It is to identify which conversations deserve to continue after the programme.

Saturday, 12 September — Forbidden City and programme conclusion

• Guided visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

• Optional Jingshan Park or free time, depending on the schedule

• Return to the hotel

• Final group review and individual next-step planning

• Time to rest, pack and arrange an independent evening meal

• Late-evening airport transfer

Sunday, 13 September — Return flight

Why Sinoventures

Sinoventures bridges European business ambition with practical, on-the-ground knowledge and trusted relationships in China.

The programme is designed and personally led by Xiaoxiao Mulhall, Founder of Sinoventures. Originally from China and based in Ireland for more than 25 years, Xiaoxiao combines a deep understanding of Chinese business culture with 18 years of corporate experience and first-hand experience supporting companies with procurement, market entry and commercial partnerships in China.

This is more than an expo visit. Participants receive commercial preparation, targeted support, cultural insight and access to Sinoventures’ trusted in-market network.

The objective is simple: to help you arrive in China with clear priorities, connect with relevant people and return with informed, practical next steps.

The China Immersion trip gave me a much clearer understanding of the Chinese market than any report or webinar could. Xiaoxiao added valuable context throughout and helped us see both the opportunity and the practical steps needed before entering China. Great cohort to learn from each other also.

Sharon Farrell - Managing Director Face Credit Consultancy

★★★★★

★★★★★

A truly exceptional experience. The trip gave me valuable business insights, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and business practices. I returned inspired, energised, and with opportunities that will benefit both me and my business for years to come.

The trip was eye-opening and professionally guided. It gave real exposure to China’s consumer market, business environment and pace of opportunity, with Xiaoxiao providing the cultural and commercial context we needed.

★★★★★

Christine Dempsey - Owner Naas Property Management

Sonia Moran - Business Manager Punctual Printing

Reviews from previous participants

Frequently asked questions

Who is this programme for?

The programme is designed for business owners, senior decision-makers and professionals interested in exploring commercial opportunities, partnerships or market development in China—particularly within trade in services and related sectors.

Do I need previous experience doing business in China?

No. The programme is suitable for both first-time visitors and businesses already exploring the Chinese market. Pre-departure preparation will help each participant define their objectives and make the visit commercially relevant.

Is this a business programme or a cultural trip?

It is a commercially focused business programme, supported by a carefully selected cultural itinerary. Three days are dedicated to CIFTIS, alongside business briefings, relevant introductions and selected meetings. Visits to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Beijing’s hutongs and other cultural experiences provide important context for understanding China and building relationships.

Are business meetings included?

Sinoventures will work with participants before departure to understand their commercial priorities and identify relevant introductions or meetings. Meetings are subject to business fit, local interest and availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

What accommodation is included?

The programme includes six nights’ accommodation in a carefully selected five-star hotel in Beijing, with a private room for each participant as standard.

Twin or double-room sharing can be arranged on request for couples, family members or colleagues travelling together, subject to availability. A shared-room rate can be provided on request.

Which meals are included?

Two hosted group meals are included: a welcome dinner on arrival and a closing dinner incorporating a traditional Beijing Opera experience.

Other meals are left flexible, allowing participants to choose according to their own preferences, dietary requirements and schedules.

Will there be free time?

Yes. The itinerary includes some free evenings and personal time. Participants will also have opportunities to explore Beijing independently, shop, rest or arrange additional meetings.

What support will I receive before travelling?

Each participant will receive pre-departure guidance and an individual business-objective review. This will help shape their priorities for CIFTIS, relevant introductions and preparation for doing business in China.

Do I need a visa?

Irish citizens holding a valid ordinary Irish passport can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business or tourism. Participants travelling on other passports should check the requirements applicable to their nationality.Participants should carry their return-flight details, hotel confirmation and programme itinerary when travelling.

Can I travel with a business partner or family member?

Yes. Business partners, colleagues and family members are welcome, provided each person books a place on the programme. Room sharing can be arranged where requested.

How large will the group be?

Places will be limited to maintain a high-quality, personalised experience and allow Sinoventures to provide meaningful commercial support to each participant.

Is the itinerary confirmed?

The core programme and travel dates are confirmed. Individual meetings, venues and some cultural activities may be adjusted depending on CIFTIS scheduling, local availability and operational requirements.

Thinking about China? Start before the expensive decisions.

Address

Merits, Devoy Quarter
Naas, Ireland

Contacts
info@sinoventures.ie

Whether you are exploring China for the first time, preparing to protect your brand, considering a market visit, or assessing a potential partner, the first step is a clear conversation.

Sinoventures helps you understand where you are, what risks matter, and what the next move should be.