German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit China from Sunday. It's her ninth visit to the country. During her visit, Merkel will co-chair the fourth round of China-Germany inter-governmental consultation with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. She will also meet with president Xi Jinping.

For some at this cutting-edge design expo China’s economic slowdown is great news. A maturing Chinese market needs higher-end products-and German knowhow is in demand.  German architectural firm ‘Co-Ordination’ saw the opportunity early-it opened an office in Shanghai in 2009 - a move that’s more than paid off.

"Beyond the European market, China is very exciting and versatile for us to be engaged in design and design-based projects. In addition to the economical issues, our curiosity in China plays a big role, too. We want to explore a new market, a new country, a new culture," said Jpchen Gringmuth, CEO coordination.

While German companies are making gradual inroads in China - capital is moving a lot more swiftly in the opposite direction.

Chinese investment in Germany has rapidly increased over the last decade or so from near zero. And unlike many other parts of Europe, it’s remained stable despite some sluggish economic growth here. China’s interest appears mainly driven by an increasing demand for products of the highest quality.

Chinese investments are also diversifying in German companies—large and small.

"We have these relatively small companies, very specialized, producing high-end, technologically refined products, that are very competitive worldwide. And I think the competitive edge of the small and medium-sized companies, as well as the larger companies, is very competitive to Chinese investors," said Benno Bunse, CEO of Germany Govt. Trade and Invest Agency.

This will be the German Chancellor’s ninth official visit to China. And it is, perhaps more than ever, about business.