I liked the fact that this is not presented as a permanent success story, but rather a building process trying to figure out how to stay successful in the next phase. Plus, I loved learning about traditional Chinese financing associations. All very instructive. Thank you!
It's very fragile especially that the people who powered this are retiring and their children might not even be interested is a huge risk. BUt for a network that currently powers over 80% of private healthcare, maybe something will hold
It's also easy to be brought down as Putian clinics have become a cariatire
I liked that as well. I thought it was a very clever way but it worked when dealing with small clinic's financing. With huge hospitals they now have to go to the market for that.
Yes, there is a truism in the Silicon Valley that the team that starts a company is not the right team to take it public... The two different financing models seem like an example of that principle in action.
Oh, this is a fabulous research, well studied and documented.
As a China afficionado and traveller I truly enjoyed the read. I know a few things about Chinese economy, business proficiency, et al (was myself 15 months acting as director to Chinese midsize manufacturer), that made it even more interesting read to me.
Trivia: I was in Fujian province, in Xiamen, also went up north to the hills of Datian ... now I know, next time drive the coastline to Putian ... (my business HQ was in Wuhan)
Now thats an exciting feedback, you just made my day. It brought me such Joy coming from someone with such an affectionate relationship with China.
When i did my first scan i really thought i have finally found a shoe city BUT sadly reality struck. Putian is way way more interesting than the Shoes, its shaped by the Health Networks. Imagine over 80% of Private Health being tied to this loose network.
I was so happy i found that angle otherwise we could have missed something that will likely shape how China actually accesses its Health care.
My only interaction with Fujian was in Fuzhou where we were checking out this shoe factory and then left via its brand new airport. I don’t think i have seen such a modern airport anywhere. From there i went to Wuhan where i spent over a week and i think my appreciation of China was enhanced as i spent every night walking through the pedestrian market one street behind the Jiangnan Pedestrian street. I would browse until after 1am when most stalls close.
Now when you go to Putian your eyes will see it differently
Yes Mo, since my early days I admire the tradition, culture, scriptures, philosophy, food, etc. of that great country. In the course of years I have made quite a number of connaissances remaining in contact until present. I also had the privilege to spend active time in the country, serving as a director to a Chinese company in Wuhan. All that gave me a much deeper understanding of “all things China”, and developed my affection for the country. China is a wonderful place.
And I am not alone, since I took my daughter to Asia with me the first time back in 2017, first stop was Singapore, she fell in love as well. Now she herself is avid China traveller, privately but also professionally, as well as Japan, S. Korea, and around. She did two years of Chinese language course, cooks Asian food perfectly … and makes me proud of her mind and views.
Wow, you raised her up so well, that's so admirable. I think as you noted once you have actually lived there, like you did, you actually appreciate the country better and given where the world is going, i believe people like you with real appreciation stand a very big chance of having the best of both worlds.
How did you get to be a director of a Chinese company in Wuhan, thats sounds so interesting in itself.
My hope is to spend at least a year in China maybe when i go over 200 cities. I am looking at staying in a well located small town. BUT sometimes i think maybe Shanghai is the place to be i don't know maybe even Beijing
Mo- This is a strong piece. The framing is clear from the opening and the argument keeps expanding without losing control. The phrase “invisible headquarters” is especially sharp. It gives shape to something many people sense in certain cities but rarely articulate this well. The distinction between the published economy and the owned economy carries the essay. I also appreciated the comparative section. It extends the piece beyond description and turns it into a broader way of thinking about diaspora, trust, ownership, and place. Really compelling work.
@Monica A Leyva thanks so much. The phrase "invisible headquarters" came directly from the forensic work; once you stop looking at the shoe factories, you realize Putian is less a production site and more a capital settlement chamber.
You put your finger on the central tension: the published economy vs. the owned economy. That distinction is what makes the city legible. And I am glad the comparative section worked for you. The goal was to show Putian is not an anomaly but the most advanced expression of a model that exists wherever kinship networks and high margin services meet. Appreciate you reading so closely.
I liked the fact that this is not presented as a permanent success story, but rather a building process trying to figure out how to stay successful in the next phase. Plus, I loved learning about traditional Chinese financing associations. All very instructive. Thank you!
It's very fragile especially that the people who powered this are retiring and their children might not even be interested is a huge risk. BUt for a network that currently powers over 80% of private healthcare, maybe something will hold
It's also easy to be brought down as Putian clinics have become a cariatire
I liked that as well. I thought it was a very clever way but it worked when dealing with small clinic's financing. With huge hospitals they now have to go to the market for that.
Yes, there is a truism in the Silicon Valley that the team that starts a company is not the right team to take it public... The two different financing models seem like an example of that principle in action.
Wow, this was very informative. Keep up the good work. It's important.
Thanks so much, thats so kind of you. Gives me the fuel i need to keep moving.
Oh, this is a fabulous research, well studied and documented.
As a China afficionado and traveller I truly enjoyed the read. I know a few things about Chinese economy, business proficiency, et al (was myself 15 months acting as director to Chinese midsize manufacturer), that made it even more interesting read to me.
Trivia: I was in Fujian province, in Xiamen, also went up north to the hills of Datian ... now I know, next time drive the coastline to Putian ... (my business HQ was in Wuhan)
Now thats an exciting feedback, you just made my day. It brought me such Joy coming from someone with such an affectionate relationship with China.
When i did my first scan i really thought i have finally found a shoe city BUT sadly reality struck. Putian is way way more interesting than the Shoes, its shaped by the Health Networks. Imagine over 80% of Private Health being tied to this loose network.
I was so happy i found that angle otherwise we could have missed something that will likely shape how China actually accesses its Health care.
My only interaction with Fujian was in Fuzhou where we were checking out this shoe factory and then left via its brand new airport. I don’t think i have seen such a modern airport anywhere. From there i went to Wuhan where i spent over a week and i think my appreciation of China was enhanced as i spent every night walking through the pedestrian market one street behind the Jiangnan Pedestrian street. I would browse until after 1am when most stalls close.
Now when you go to Putian your eyes will see it differently
Yes Mo, since my early days I admire the tradition, culture, scriptures, philosophy, food, etc. of that great country. In the course of years I have made quite a number of connaissances remaining in contact until present. I also had the privilege to spend active time in the country, serving as a director to a Chinese company in Wuhan. All that gave me a much deeper understanding of “all things China”, and developed my affection for the country. China is a wonderful place.
And I am not alone, since I took my daughter to Asia with me the first time back in 2017, first stop was Singapore, she fell in love as well. Now she herself is avid China traveller, privately but also professionally, as well as Japan, S. Korea, and around. She did two years of Chinese language course, cooks Asian food perfectly … and makes me proud of her mind and views.
Oh, just to mention, my Buddha is Amitabha.
Wow, you raised her up so well, that's so admirable. I think as you noted once you have actually lived there, like you did, you actually appreciate the country better and given where the world is going, i believe people like you with real appreciation stand a very big chance of having the best of both worlds.
How did you get to be a director of a Chinese company in Wuhan, thats sounds so interesting in itself.
My hope is to spend at least a year in China maybe when i go over 200 cities. I am looking at staying in a well located small town. BUT sometimes i think maybe Shanghai is the place to be i don't know maybe even Beijing
Mo- This is a strong piece. The framing is clear from the opening and the argument keeps expanding without losing control. The phrase “invisible headquarters” is especially sharp. It gives shape to something many people sense in certain cities but rarely articulate this well. The distinction between the published economy and the owned economy carries the essay. I also appreciated the comparative section. It extends the piece beyond description and turns it into a broader way of thinking about diaspora, trust, ownership, and place. Really compelling work.
@Monica A Leyva thanks so much. The phrase "invisible headquarters" came directly from the forensic work; once you stop looking at the shoe factories, you realize Putian is less a production site and more a capital settlement chamber.
You put your finger on the central tension: the published economy vs. the owned economy. That distinction is what makes the city legible. And I am glad the comparative section worked for you. The goal was to show Putian is not an anomaly but the most advanced expression of a model that exists wherever kinship networks and high margin services meet. Appreciate you reading so closely.