And the China Companies Award 2008 goes to....

"Most Globally Competitive Chinese Companies 2008" competition

After five months' research, analysis and final assessment, the top 20 winners of the "Most Globally Competitive Chinese Companies 2008" (GCC) were presented on October 8 in Beijing at a press conference hosted by Roland Berger Greater China and our media partner Global Entrepreneur magazine.

As an extension of the "Best of European Business" awards initiated by Roland Berger, this award aims to highlight the successful internationalization of Chinese companies. After an initial assessment of 200 companies based on publicly available resources, the final top 20 winners were selected by an independent jury composed of prominent business and academic leaders from home and abroad.

During the press conference, Charles-Edouard Bouée, President & Managing Partner of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants Greater China, announced the long-awaited final 20 winners and commented on Chinese companies' going-global strategies and performance in the choppy year of 2008. "2008 has been an uneasy year for Chinese companies seeking international expansion. These winning companies being recognized today and their successful strategies should be the role model for other companies. In launching the 2008 GCC competition, we hope to help Chinese companies attain their goals of global expansion by providing a platform for executives of these companies to share their success stories."

Kang Yan, Partner and VP, gave a presentation to explain the selection criteria, methodology and composition of the jury in greater detail, while Wu Qi, Senior Partner and VP, shared the initial findings of Roland Berger's Chinese consumer survey with the media. The survey was conducted in 65 cities covering tier 1, 2 and 3 cities throughout China, with a total of 11,000 respondents. The final report is underway and will be released in December this year.

Over 60 top-tier TV, financial and general media attended the press conference with great interest. Afterwards, two group interviews were arranged for Charles-Edouard Bouée, Kang Yan and Wu Qi. They further elaborated on the "Most Globally Competitive Chinese Companies" and the Chinese consumer survey, enjoying positive interaction with the attending journalists. Beijing TV's business news program also interviewed Mr. Bouée to ask for his insights on Chinese companies' internationalization.

A grand prize ceremony will be held on October 25 in Beijing with the CEOs of winning companies, domestic and international jury members, representatives of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and Global Entrepreneur magazine in attendance.

And the winners are:

<h>In addition, three Special Awards have been given in the catogories:</h>