My name is Jürgen Schmitz, I’m the CEO of ERGO China and I'm overseeing the development and investments of our insurance group in the Chinese market.

Our insurance group, which is part of Munich Re Group, is active in 25 countries and has a premium volume of 20 billion euro. The Chinese market is of specific importance for us due to its growth and innovation potential. We think the Chinese insurance market can be a source of innovation for our whole group.

We have significantly accelerated our investments in the last couple of years after establishing ERGO China here in Beijing. We have merged two service companies. I think Chaoyang attracts business opportunities because it is a real “hub”. And a hub I mean its talents, infrastructure and government policies. That’s very important to attract further businesses, and it's very important for us.

We have enjoyed great support both for registering the company which was performed basically in one week. When I think about Chaoyang district supporting businesses, these talent related policies and supports will be essential for us. They’re looking forward to engaging in more activities, so not only get the support from Chaoyang government, but also engage in shared activities. For example, they hope to engage in academic exchange or discuss corporate responsibility with the Beijing CBD Management Committee. So, we are hoping for our collaboration and giving back as a member of this community, rather than only enjoying the support from the community.

How many steps did you make today? Only 3,000, we need to do more at least 10,000 every day. Let’s go.

Culture, environment, all these aspects are also very important to attract the business in the end, because it gives sustainability. Chaoyang is moving forward on that.

It's interesting and it's like for training. Yes, it's good for the knees and legs.

Both in my family as well as in the company, we are very active. Recently we had a step challenge in the company where we were competing with each other over one week who has how many steps per day. And we are supporting this. It’s kind of also carbon neutral engagement.

Normally what we did in the childhood, we will pick up some of the leaves and we do the competition to find the stronger leaves, do it like this. You win.

I have been affiliated with China for more than 30 years and it's kind of my personal destiny. Living in Chaoyang for more than 6 years now. I see my kids growing up here. I see our business growing in Chaoyang and I see Chaoyang developing with all its projects in the last couple of years. So, we all grow up together. 

Chaoyang is my home. I sincerely hope that it is growing together of my family, our business as well as Chaoyang.

Supervisor: Chen Jing

Coordinator: Li Tianxiao

Director: Zhang Wen

Photographer: Sheng Ming

Supported by: Foreign Affairs Office of Chaoyang District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality