Chinese creative firm aim for global market

BEIJING - Crystal CG, a leading Chinese creative group of digital and visual services, has been mentioned many times by British businessmen attending the ongoing Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services.

Four years ago, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games graphic design service supplier impressed global viewers with animated graphics beamed on a giant rolling scroll at the opening ceremony.

Now Crystal CG is ready to present a visual feast in London again as the company has been appointed the official digital imaging services supplier for the upcoming London Olympics.

Founded in Beijing in 1995, Crystal CG established its international headquarters in London two years ago, and has opened offices in Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore and Los Angeles.

Crystal CG is not alone in expanding its influence to the global market. Beijing Huangjiang Culture Development Co Ltd (Honav) and LKK Design both have made London their springboard for the international market.

Honav beat 42 bidders in 2008 to get the franchise rights of the London Olympics badges.

"Chinese companies are really capable of winning the global market," said David Revell from Imagemakers, a British design company which has close cooperation with Crystal CG.

"In terms of computer graphics, the advantages of Chinese companies are their high efficiency and quality," he said.

Crystal CG created the promotion video of the London Olympics mascot and torch relay.

To encourage the LKK to set up their business in London, the London Investment Office helped the company find a place for their office in the city, said Jia Wei, the LKK chairman. The rent of the first year was exempted.

The strong manufacturing industry of China has supported the development of LKK, Jia said.

"Many companies' products have to be manufactured in China after design while LKK has the experience of manufacturing and understands the industry chain," he said.

Christine Losecaat, director of Creative and Design Industries, UK Trade & investment, believes an increasing number of Chinese cultural and creative companies establish offices in London to expand their global business as foreign companies need to know about the Chinese market and Chinese companies need to know the demands of international customers.

"When you really go out, your vision and ideas will be totally different. Chinese companies should be brave and reach out to the world," said Jia Wei.