A New Zealand software company aims to bridge the gap between Kiwi IT firms and the Chinese market. Founder and GM of Lower Hutt-based Junawin Systems, Jianwei (Jerry) Fan, says, “Cost pressure and the scale of the New Zealand local market means traditional Kiwi IT companies really need to find a broader user market. We can help them understand the huge China market.”
According to the MBIE ICT 2013 industry report, New Zealand’s ICT sector exports have grown by 85 percent between 2006 and 2012, contributing five percent to GDP. The number of firms in the computer system design sector has grown by 40 percent since 2002.
NZTech’s industry overview suggests technology industry exports are expected to be worth $6 billion for 2014, while domestically ICT contributes $20 billion to the economy.
In comparison, Fan says “In 2012 Chinese software and IT services revenue reached more than NZD$455 billion and the plan for 2015 is to be nearly NZD$727 billion.
“We want to help improve New Zealand’s IT industry structure, and establish an IT communication bridge between New Zealand and China. We attach particular importance to international markets, and we want to help increase the international influence of New Zealand’s high-tech industry.”
Fan is planning to setup an IT association to help local IT enterprises communicate with IT experts from China and other overseas markets. “We will focus on the communication platform; launch a series of bilateral activities for entrepreneurs and experts to help the parties to understand each other, enhance the partnership and explore market opportunities.”
Fan’s company has client bases in Chinese transportation enterprises, finance and insurance, education, scientific research, as well as the cultural and creative industries. He has already successfully helped IT companies from Australia, Singapore and the US enter China.
Fan has more than 20 years experience in the IT industry. His IT work in China included working on the largest decision support system in China for rail transport, a multinational project management information system, a desktop security management system and a geological disaster warning system.
The company wants to be more than just a link for local businesses; they’ve also developed their own software – partnering with Chinese software giant, Sinosoft, to distribute their products in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We can also help New Zealand IT companies in China find the best software development teams to build long-term relationships in order to reduce the cost of local development,” he adds.
