There are a multitude of trade and investment opportunities for exporters in the China market. Some of the major sectors currently experiencing rapid growth are: processed food and beverages, gambling, transport, IT and telecommunications, minerals and energy, environment protection, building construction products and services. Three of the major growth industries though are the exporting of education, processed food and wine products.
Dress styles are changing quickly in today's China. The uniform-like Mao jacket is being replaced by Western-style suits and, sometimes, ties. Foreigners should dress formally. Women should avoid low necklines and hemlines that rise above the knee. Jewelry will be noticed; modest gold jewelry and a quality watch will count in your favor. However, avoid overly expensive jewelry or showy ornaments.
In Chinese business culture, conservative suits and ties in subdued colors are the norm. Bright colors of any kind are considered inappropriate.
Chinese Cultural Values and Their Implications in Business
Chinese business networks are sustained by Chinese cultural values and tradition. When these values disappear, the networks will collapse. The following values have been identified as the key Chinese cultural values.
Recommendations for Western Firms While Operating in China
While an increasing number of western companies have entered the Chinese market, they are way behind firms from Hong Kong Taiwan and southeast Asian countries. The simple reason is that overseas Chinese share the common Chinese cultural values and they
Market Entry Options for Foreign Firms
Market Entry Options for Foreign Firms
Business Etiquette in China
Business Etiquette in China
Trade and Business Opportunities in China
There are a multitude of trade and investment opportunities for exporters in the China market. Some of the major sectors currently experiencing rapid growth are: processed food and beverages, gambling, transport, IT and telecommunications, minerals and energy, environment protection, building construction products and services. Three of the major growth industries though are the exporting of education, processed food and wine products.
First Impressions: Choosing Your Chinese Name
Nothing is more important in leaving a good first impression in China than to have a well-chosen Chinese name.
Business Networks in China: Guanxi and Guangxiwang
One can often hear the word guanxi in any Chinese community, whether it is mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan, though there may be some slight differences in pronunciation as a result of the distinctive Chinese dialects.
Special Things to Consider in a Chinese Negotiating Context
Chinese people arrive on time for meetings and other occasions (and sometimes 5 or 10 minutes in advance). It is considered rude to arrive late for engagements of any kind. Travelling from one point to another in many Chinese cities can be extremely time-consuming due to traffic delays. Make sure you leave early enough to make it to your destination on time.
Conversation
Welcome topics of conversation
Public Behaviour
Acceptable public conduct
Prosperous Entertaining - Part 1
Entertaining for business success
Prosperous Entertaining - Part 2
Entertaining for business success
Gift Giving - Part 1
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift
Gift Giving - Part 2
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift
Business Dress
Guidelines for business dress
Appointment Alert!
Making appointments
First Name or Title?
Addressing others with respect
Business Gift-Giving
Official policy in Chinese business culture forbids giving gifts; this gesture is considered bribery, an illegal act in this country. Consequently, your gift may be declined.
Do Business in China
When doing business in China, a familiarity of some of Chinese business culture will no doubt help you get a better result than you do otherwise. The followings are some advice from those foreign business managers doing business in China. Although some of them are overstated, they overall are helpful to those who are on their first business trip to China.
Body Languages
Same Body Language in Chinese and American Cultures, but with Different Meaning
Chinese Women
Officially, women are given many of the same rights as men in China.
Conversation Topics
Before your visit, it will be a good idea to prepare yourself by studying aspects of Chinese culture, history, and geography. Your hosts will appreciate your initiative.
Business Attire
Dress styles are changing quickly in today's China. The uniform-like Mao jacket is being replaced by Western-style suits and, sometimes, ties. Foreigners should dress formally. Women should avoid low necklines and hemlines that rise above the knee. Jewelry will be noticed; modest gold jewelry and a quality watch will count in your favor. However, avoid overly expensive jewelry or showy ornaments.
Public Behavior
The Chinese will nod or bow slightly as an initial greeting. Handshakes are also popular; wait, however, for your Chinese counterpart to initiate the gesture.
Appointment
Being late for an appointment is considered a serious insult in Chinese business culture.
Business Entertainment
Business Entertainment Business lunches are growing in popularity here. Business breakfasts, however, are not a part of Chinese business culture.
Negotiation
You'll find it beneficial to bring your own interpreter, if possible, to help you understand the subtleties of everything being said during meetings.
Meetings
Meetings are considered very formal in China. It is a good idea to send a list of your representatives before the meeting, and to include their rank in your company.
Greetings
Handshaking is the accepted greeting. Chinese usually shake hands very lightly instead of taking the hand firmly and forcefully pumping it, and in China a handshake may last as long as 10 seconds.
Addressing Chinese
Chinese names appear in a different order than Western names. Each person has, in this order, a family or generational name and a first name.
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