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Posted on August 16, 2008 by Bob Smiths | Posted under Entrepreneurislism
A Guide to doing Business with China
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The first step for any British business to take, with the view of transacting in China for a sustained period of time, is the China-Britain Business Council. This eminent organization has offices in both countries, with all staff being well trained and completely bilingual. The services they offer are mostly market intelligence in various forms, with the additional expertise and valuable contacts that their employees bring to the organization. This will allow a new UK business to be sensitive to the industrial climate in China, whilst also allowing them to leverage vital knowledge and get established there. China and Britain have recently reached an agreement to increase transactions between the two nations to a level of 60 billion dollars by the year 2010. This ground-breaking agreement is the first of its kind between China and any other European Union country. The deal was struck between the United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown and China's Premier Wen Jiabao. China is also aiming to have around 10 of its countries listed on the London Stock Exchange by 2010. When dealing with another Western country, the business guidelines are clear, and both parties are well aware that the relationship is purely professional. However, in dealing with an Eastern country like China, business relationships cannot be successful without first establishing a personal bond of trust. Chinese businesses expect their professional relationships to be built upon the solid foundations of a personal one. Unless these are developed and fostered, any professional interaction will not be very successful. This is where various councils and individuals, like the CBBC, play a significant role. These people act as intermediaries, providing the initial foray with a Chinese business. The strong traditions of the Chinese people bind every aspect of life in the country, including business. If an entrepreneur from the UK wishes to set up business in China, it would be essential to follow the strict Chinese etiquette; understanding and following these are essential, especially when meeting for the first time. Politics is a sensitive subject with the Chinese, and additionally, as a race, they do not like to say 'no', and will often refuse indirectly. Formality is required at all times and is indicative of deep respect. Also, most of the Chinese appreciate and offer gifts as tokens, so it would be considered wise for a visiting business official to carry a large number of small gifts, wrapped in either gold or red paper - these being the colours the Chinese consider lucky. About The Author: Bob writes about Freight UK to China and for the Bristol freight company. |
Tags: FREIGHT TO CHINA, CHINESE BUSINESS, FREIGHT FROM CHINA, CHINA FREIGHT FORWARDING, FREIGHT, CHINA, UK
