Core Insights - Taicang, a county-level city in China, has established a strong connection with Germany, being perceived as the "fourth largest city" in China by many Germans, highlighting its unique regional development strategy [1] - The city has over 550 German enterprises, including more than 60 "hidden champions," showcasing the depth and breadth of cooperation between Taicang and Germany [1] - Taicang's rise is attributed to its strategic focus on German cooperation, leveraging its geographical advantages and logistics capabilities, which has created a stable business environment for German companies [1][2] Group 1: Economic and Business Environment - Taicang has proactively built a supporting system that aligns with German standards, including the introduction of testing and certification institutions and the establishment of research institutes, creating a "grape cluster effect" [2] - The city has shifted its investment attraction strategy from merely offering policies to solving problems for enterprises, enhancing the local business environment [2] - Taicang's招商团队 (investment promotion team) actively engages with businesses, often working during weekends or evenings to address their needs, fostering a culture of responsiveness [2] Group 2: Cultural Integration and Community Building - Taicang is committed to creating a soft environment for cultural integration, addressing issues such as education for German expatriates' children and organizing events like the "Taicang German Beer Festival" to enhance cultural identity [2] - This emotional connection and sense of belonging for foreign employees are particularly important during economic fluctuations, contributing to a stable business climate [2] Group 3: Strategic Development Approach - Unlike many cities that engage in competitive policies and subsidies, Taicang has adopted a differentiated approach by focusing on nurturing specialized industrial clusters rather than merely increasing the number of enterprises [3] - The city emphasizes building a sustainable ecosystem over short-term metrics, demonstrating that smaller cities can achieve significant growth in niche areas, becoming perceived as "large cities" in their own right [3]