Chinese business brothers in Serbia: Stepping out of the "No. 70" market and breaking into a new world
2024-08-16
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China News Service, Beijing, August 16th, Title: Chinese business brothers in Serbia: Stepping out of the "No. 70" market and breaking into a new world
China News Service reporter Wu Kan
In Belgrade, Serbia, a large-scale commercial complex called the Eurasian Trade Center will be put into use soon. The appearance of the trade center is quite modern and technological, with huge glass curtain walls shining in the sun. Inside, shops are arranged in an orderly manner, and Chinese businessmen are busy in the shops, preparing for the opening.
This is the scene in the video sent to China News Service by Zou Junwei, chairman of Eurasia Trade Center Co., Ltd. Zou Junwei and his brother Zou Junyong have worked hard in Serbia for more than 20 years. They recently told reporters about their entrepreneurial story from setting up stalls at the "No. 70" market to investing in the construction of Eurasia Trade Center.
Recently, the first phase of the Eurasian Trade Center in Belgrade, Serbia, has entered the final stage and will be put into use soon. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
In 2001, the two brothers, who had just graduated from junior high school, left their hometown Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, and joined their parents who were doing business in Yugoslavia. "At that time, there were relatively few Chinese people in the area, so our family rented a stall in the '70' market in Belgrade. My brother and I went to school and learned how to do business with our parents," said Zou Junwei.
The two brothers set up their stall at 6 or 7 in the morning and close it at 5 or 6 in the afternoon. They learned everything from selecting and purchasing goods, marketing to sales and after-sales service, and gradually established a firm foothold in the "No. 70" market. The clothing, bags, daily necessities and other products they sell are not only popular among local consumers, but also attract merchants from neighboring countries to come and purchase.
A wide variety of shops, Chinese signs everywhere, and a wide variety of Chinese goods... This is the "No. 70" market in the brothers' memory. During the 10 years of doing business here, they grew up with the "No. 70" market and witnessed the development of this market from a small-scale commodity trading place to a large-scale wholesale mall where Chinese merchants gather.
Zou Junyong said: "At its peak, there were thousands of Chinese merchants operating here. The 'No. 70' market was not only the foundation of their lives in a foreign country, but also a microcosm of the hard work of Chinese merchants. Although it was a bit run-down and simple, it was always full of vitality and human touch."
Since 2008, Serbia's small department store wholesale business has been on a downward trend. After market research, the two brothers decided to try department store retail, and the younger brother Zou Junwei took on the important task of testing the waters. In 2011, Zou Junwei opened the first Panda Department Store in Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia.
Zou Junwei said: "Giant pandas are China's national treasures and are very popular all over the world. They also symbolize friendship and peace, so the mall is named Panda Department Store. The mall's logo is a cute giant panda drawn with simple strokes, and the mall's layout and decoration also incorporate many Chinese elements."
The retail department store business was unexpectedly booming. After a successful trial, the two struck while the iron was hot and opened several branches over the next few years. Zou Junyong introduced: "Currently, Panda Department Store has more than 30 shopping malls, selling more than 10,000 products such as household goods, clothing, shoes and hats, digital appliances, etc., distributed in major commercial areas of major cities in Serbia."
A Panda Department Store run by Zou Junwei and Zou Junyong in Belgrade. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
In August 2021, a fire at the No. 70 market gave the brothers a new business goal. "The No. 70 market had been in disrepair for many years and there were many safety hazards. Many Chinese shops were destroyed in the fire. We urgently needed a safe and comfortable place to do business, so we came up with the idea of investing in a new trade city," said Zou Junwei.
The Eurasian Business Center project was launched in May 2022. It was jointly invested and constructed by Eurasian Business Center Co., Ltd., founded by Zou Junwei and Zou Junyong, and several companies from China and Serbia. The center consists of two above-ground buildings, integrating logistics, warehousing, office, medical, cultural, educational, and entertainment functions.
Zou Junwei introduced that the first phase of the commercial center is about to be put into use. Currently, more than 300 Chinese shops have moved in. The commercial center has solved the operational difficulties faced by Chinese businessmen in Serbia after the fire and provided everyone with a better entrepreneurial platform and development space.
Unlike doing business in the "No. 70" market, Chinese merchants entering the Eurasia Trade Center present new characteristics. Zou Junyong said that nowadays, people pay more attention to brand building, improve market competitiveness through trademark registration, opening exclusive stores, etc.; expand diversified operations, start online and offline integration models; at the same time, improve after-sales service and optimize customer experience.
Zou Junwei and Zou Junyong believe that as Serbia's investment environment gets better and better, Chinese businessmen will see greater development. "When we first learned how to do business, our father told us to be diligent, operate legally, and give back to society. We have always taken this as our guideline, and will continue to explore innovations and create more possibilities in the future." (End)
