“In 2004 we sowed the seeds in some major activities that will have significant impact for the company in 2005 and beyond In a market like this, the planting phase is very important. With good seeds, we’ll have plenty of healthy trees and beautiful flowers later.”
Fushing Pang
Senior Vice President, Strategic Development
TNT China
Fushing Pang delivered first growth in the Chinese market.
Beijing, China As senior vice president for strategic development for TNT China, Fushing Pang describes himself as a pioneer. An ethnic Chinese, Pang grew up in Taiwan, then earned an MBA in the United States and began his career there. But in the early days of China’s move to open its borders to international business, Pang couldn’t resist the urge to be part of the action. “I’ve got a pioneering spirit,” he said. “I was excited about the huge potential in China.”
Since joining TNT five years ago, Pang has helped the company start seizing the potential of the world’s fastest-developing market. He recalls that when he arrived in China in 1986, roads were much less congested. “Today the roads in the major cities are filled with cars,” he said, offering the traffic analogy as an illustration of the vast changes taking place in China’s economy.
With a strong background in business development, Pang has been instrumental in orchestrating significant business partnerships such as TNT’s joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and its strategic cooperation with China Post. And with the strong commitment TPG pledged to China in 2004, Pang sees even bigger opportunities on the horizon.
“The major push in 2004 has given us tremendous energy for moving ahead,” he said. “With this kind of commitment we have moved much more aggressively in building alliances and cooperation. We continue building our strong relationships with the Chinese government.”
Good government relations is an essential part of success in China, and part of Pang’s role is to head the team that manages that aspect of TNT’s business there. He and his government relations team are located in Beijing so they can be close to government ministries. “By being here, it is easier to make contact with government organisations and we’re better informed about the development in this market,” he said.
Pang firmly believes in taking a long-term strategy in China, and he sees 2004 as just the beginning of TNT’s growth there. “In 2004 we sowed the seeds in some major activities that will have significant impact for the company in 2005 and beyond,” he said. “In a market like this, the planting phase is very important. With good seeds, we’ll have plenty of healthy trees and beautiful flowers later.”