Accenture follows these rules in the search for new business in China

In the search for growth opportunities in the mainland economy, it is best to tap the potential of private enterprises and the role of technology in shaping the era ahead, according to Accenture.

Chuan Neo Chong, chairwoman of Accenture Greater China, says her firm has taken the advice to heart as it looks to China as a “top focus” market when it comes to new business in Asia.

Chong says that financial major Ping An and logistics firm Deppon rank as two of the firm’s fastest growing clients from the private sector.

Ten years ago, state-owned enterprises were the dominant contributors in a relatively balanced three-prong structure, with multinational and private companies rounding out the top three spots, Chong said during an interview in Shanghai.

“Being New York-listed, it’s very natural for us to partner with Microsoft, Amazon and Apple,” she said. “But over the last five years, we have started partnering with Chinese private owned enterprises because we want to be relevant and integrated in China’s innovation ecosystem.

She said Accenture has supported small, innovative private companies and start-ups to help identify those that can be “Alibaba in the next 10 years”.