Over 600 global business leaders converged in Beijing for the China-Germany (China-Europe) Hidden Champions Forum 2025, spotlighting Europe's niche-market SMEs and their growing interest in Asian partnerships. The event highlighted Germany's outsized role in this sector, with 1,300 of the world's 2,734 'hidden champions' – small-to-medium enterprises dominating specialized global markets – based in the country.
Walter Döring, chairman of the Senate of Economy Europe, led a 150-company delegation to the forum, tripling Germany's participation since 2024. 'This growth speaks volumes about our members' priorities,' Döring noted, underscoring the strategic importance of China-Europe economic collaboration.
The forum comes as European SMEs seek to leverage China's manufacturing capabilities and digital transformation momentum. Participants explored partnerships in green technology, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain innovation – sectors where German engineering excellence meets China's scale and technological adoption speed.
For investors and business professionals, the event signals deepening cross-continental economic integration. Academics highlighted the forum's role in creating new research frameworks for studying SME globalization patterns, while diaspora communities noted increased opportunities for knowledge exchange.
