Exploring Hebei: an Aussie’s thriving business journey

Just an hour from Beijing lies Hebei Province, a region of 75 million people that remains largely unknown to the outside world.

But for Australian businessman Bob Burak, it has been home to nearly three decades of business, challenges and growth.

The latest episode of The Big Picture follows Burak’s journey in China, exploring how he established a manufacturing business in Tangshan and built it into an international operation.

After nine months of negotiations, Burak secured approval to establish a wholly foreign-owned manufacturing enterprise, a significant achievement for an Australian entrepreneur entering China’s manufacturing sector.

His company, Tangshan Burak Hotel Supplies, has since expanded beyond Australia, exporting products to more than 20 countries and establishing a lasting presence in the region.

The episode also highlights the resilience of the local community.

Factory general manager Han Kun shares the story of Tangshan’s recovery following the devastating 1976 earthquake and the determination that helped rebuild the city.

That resilience was also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Burak’s company retained its workforce by providing employees with accommodation and meals at the factory.

Burak’s story offers a unique perspective on doing business in China, illustrating the challenges of establishing a foreign-owned enterprise, the importance of strong local relationships and the determination required to build a business across borders.

Through his experience, The Big Picture explores the human side of China’s manufacturing industry and the opportunities and challenges facing foreign businesses operating in one of the world’s largest economies.