An insider’s guide to doing business in the fastest growing market in the world—China! Did you know? —Americans have bought $185 billion worth of Chinese goods. —China’s economy is growing at an astounding rate of 9 percent a year. —The trade gap between the U.S. and China has been growing by more than 25 percent per year. Whether you work for a company doing business in China, or are an entrepreneur looking to export your goods and services, An American’s Guide to Doing Business in China teaches you the practicalities and the pitfalls of dealing with this complex market. While there are undeniable opportunities in the Chinese market, there is also a great deal of hype—and very real political and cultural differences that make doing business in China extremely challenging. Written by an industry expert with more than two decades of experience, An American’s Guide to Doing Business in China is an authoritative and accessible guide covering all aspects of doing business in China, including: • Finding manufacturing partners • Negotiating contracts and agreements • Choosing a location and hiring employees This practical work also teaches you how to navigate Chinese culture and customs, market and advertise to Chinese consumers, and find the hottest opportunities. An American’s Guide to Doing Business in China is what you need to succeed in the world’s biggest market.
China has a long history of confounding multinational companies. Many firms' strategies for China have failed and companies have been forced to revise plans to take into account the idosyncrasies of the Chinese market. This book examines the strategies that have succeeded and those that have failed, with chapters on the political and economic context, how to assess the market and manage corporate expectations and structures, how to negotiate legal and tax issues, manufacturing and distribution, making acquisitions, dealing with corruption and financial crime, attracting and retaining talent, the importance of establishing and maintaining relationships (guanxi), corporate governance and social responsibility, and the China of the future. With many businesses experiencing sluggish growth or even decline in their traditional markets, China seems to offer the chance of heady growth. For those who get their approach right it does, but there are many obstacles to be negotiated on the road to success. This book explores the difficulties of doing business in China and how to take best advantage of the opportunities that exist to achieve the level of success that every business aims for in China but not that many achieve. "The opportunities for those doing business in or with China may be growing but so are the challenges. This highly readable book, with its dozens of anecdotes of success and failure in the China market, highlights the key issues facing investors and how to deal with them."—Tim Clissold, CEO, Peony Capital and author of Mr. China "Sensible, informed and up-to-date information and advice on operating in China comes along surprisingly rarely. This book is a welcome antidote to the extremes of bullish hype and bearish despair that is typical of commentators on this huge market."—Stephen Green, Head of Research Greater China, Standard Chartered
CFO Guide to Doing Business in China has gathered all the important aspects based on the author's personal experiences as a CFO, a financial consultant, an entrepreneur and also a successful businessman in China for over a decade. It is not only a Guide for CFOs of foreign companies in China, but also a practical book for investors who want to do or are already doing business in China. Although the book focuses on financial, accounting, taxation, and auditing aspects, it also gives tips to newcomers on how to be more effective when doing business in China. The coverage includes the understanding of Chinese culture, managing and dealing with the Chinese people, strategies to expand your business in China. Practical contents based on real cases to help businesses get started and navigate the intricacies of China's accounting system, taxation issues, currency controls, risk management, outsourcing, people management, employment issues, mergers and acquisitions.
An insider reveals what can—and does—go wrong when companies shift production to China In this entertaining behind-the-scenes account, Paul Midler tells us all that is wrong with our effort to shift manufacturing to China. Now updated and expanded, Poorly Made in China reveals industry secrets, including the dangerous practice of quality fade—the deliberate and secret habit of Chinese manufacturers to widen profit margins through the reduction of quality inputs. U.S. importers don’t stand a chance, Midler explains, against savvy Chinese suppliers who feel they have little to lose by placing consumer safety at risk for the sake of greater profit. This is a lively and impassioned personal account, a collection of true stories, told by an American who has worked in the country for close to two decades. Poorly Made in China touches on a number of issues that affect us all.
This essential guide to Chinese etiquette will make embarrassing social blunders a thing of the past! Whether you're traveling to China for business or pleasure, whether your stay will be long or short, your visit will be more pleasurable and effective if you understand your host culture and how to work within it. This updated and expanded edition of the best-selling Chinese etiquette guide on the market addresses not just the puzzling protocols relating to name cards, bowing or shaking hands, bathrooms and public baths--but also what to do when entertaining Chinese dinner guests, attending a Chinese tea ceremony, taking the subway, and much more! It also provides the latest etiquette in mobile phone manners, texting, social media and other forms of digital communication. The glossary at the back of the book has been revised to include the latest technology-related words and expressions used in China today. Two new chapters address the changing role of foreigners in the workplace and the contemporary business style and etiquette used by the younger generation of China who are now increasingly cosmopolitan--but still very Chinese! Etiquette Guide to China includes everything you need to know to be a successful, courteous traveler: Hand gestures and body language How to address the Chinese Dining and restaurant manners Gift giving and celebration in China Entering into and understanding business relationships How to behave in professional situations Dealing with China's political culture The Chinese way of negotiating
"No one doing business with the Chinese should be without [it]."—Midwest Book Review This insider's pocket reference covers common business and social protocols for traveling and doing business in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It is also ideal for anyone hosting Chinese business visitors. This new edition has been updated with current trends, Internet and phone tips, interviews, and fresh ideas for understanding the profound behavioral and social changes produced by Chinese modernization. Stefan H. Verstappen lives in Toronto. He is author of The Thirty Six Strategies of Ancient China and has worked as a corporate trainer and publicist in Hong Kong, Taipei, and Beijing.
How to win in the world's largest retail market. China is the largest e-commerce market in the world and the most digital of the major economies. At the same time, many international brands are intimidated by the China market given their lack of familiarity and the significant cultural and language differences. The Smart Business Guide helps bridge this gap by providing a how-to approach to the China e-commerce ecosystem. E-commerce provides a powerful tool for brands to reach consumers and offers the predictability and statistical feedback that dramatically reduces the costs of a brand to enter the China market. A quick, punchy read, The Smart Business Guide is a useful book for consumer brands, retailers, and entrepreneurs. It covers critical areas such as: -- How any brand can be a pure-play e-commerce brand in China -- How Chinese consumers are different from U.S. consumers -- The main platforms and social media channels -- Case studies of success and failure in China -- How to deal with market entry challenges, trademark registration, and product approval -- How to compete and win in the most challenging--and most promising--retail market in the world
Chinese-English company name index -- Company-industry index -- Industry-company index -- Introduction -- A guide to the top 100 companies in China -- List of abbreviations -- List of contributors -- About the editors.
"Through his principles of global trade and real-life examples, Tom Travis will help you find your seat at the globalization table. If you want to understand the universal themes for global expansion, read this book." --George Feldenkreis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Perry Ellis International "Keeping your focus on high ethical standards as well as security, building solid personal relationships, and maintaining real openness while expecting the unexpected – these are good rules for anyone seeking to compete in a rapidly, and in many ways, radically changing global economy. This book has such good advice, and more." --Bill Brock, Former U.S. Trade Representative "Doing Business Anywhere is an excellent book for any business person who thinks global. The Tenets of Global Trade Travis outlines are the fundamental building blocks for global business. Read this book, then read it again." --Rodney M. Birkins Jr., Senior Vice President, Global Sourcing Design & Product Development, QVC Inc. "Doing Business Anywhere by Tom Travis captures that very unique perspective of the core issues and break-through thinking on global trade. Tom's great counsel and insight brings to light a perspective that is crucial to succeed in the challenges as well as issues related to global trade. Well done!" --Jerry Cook, VP Government and Trade Relations, Hanesbrands, Inc. "Anyone whose business relies on going global needs to read this book and understand its message. Tom Travis has artfully distilled the most important principles of international trade." --Ken Eaton, Former SR VP and Managing Director, Global Procurement, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "With his decades of international experience, only Tom Travis could have articulated global trade in such a clear, educational and enjoyable manner. Doing Business Anywhere is a must read for "every" business leader and manager." --Steven R. Walton, Chairman, Wing Tai International Apparel Group "Doing Business Anywhere clearly demonstrates that Tom Travis is a master of the game…his thoughtful guide to global trade and his clear prose make this a must read for anyone wanting to compete and succeed in the global economy." --Mark B. Rosenberg, Chancellor, State University System of Florida "As a professor, author, entrepreneur and consultant on the supply chain who has seen the supply chain evolve from a domestic practice to a global science I tip my hat to Tom Travis for condensing everything entrepreneurs and business leaders need to know about global trade into one concise and absorbing book. Tom rightly points out that because problems and road blocks can exist at every turn that integrating his Six Tenets of Global Trade into every aspect of your supply chain is critical to your success. This book is hard to put down as each of the tenets is presented in the context of real stories of global trade. Intriguing! Everyone in global trade should have Doing Business Anywhere on their bookshelf." --James A. Tompkins Ph.D., Chairman, CEO and Founder of Tompkins Associates., Inc. "Challenges and opportunities are an integral part of today’s international trade environment. Not only do we have to secure the trade supply chain but we also have to facilitate the movement of legitimate goods across borders. For those of us involved in this form of economic activity, whether we are from the public or private sector, it is vital that we recognize the importance of international trade to the economic prosperity of the world’s nations. Its catalytic role in alleviating poverty, enhancing financial stability, and promoting social well-being can never be under-estimated. As the author of this book, Tom Travis, so rightly says, we are all actively involved in global trade as we go about our daily lives whether we consciously know this or not. Globalization too is part and parcel of the international trade landscape and it is imperative that one learns to navigate this terrain if one wants to succeed in the business environment of the 21st century. This is exactly what this book sets out to do. It provides the reader with six tenets of global trade backed by clear explanations as to how they should be applied in real-world situations involving a wide range of role-players. The book is an indispensable guide to trans-national economic operators, global business leaders and others who are part of the international customs and trade community as it provides an arsenal of tools that will enrich the quality of doing business globally. From taking advantage of trade agreements, to protecting your brand at all costs, to maintaining high ethical standards, Tom Travis' incredible understanding of the business world and the issues that impact on the trade environment make him the ultimate business coach. Indeed, the book captures the essential ingredients that are necessary to make today’s business men and women excel and win. This essential guide is a global winner and I highly recommend it for its insight and value-added leadership." --Michel Danet, Secretary General, World Customs Organization "With his Six Tenets of Global Trade, author Tom Travis will help CEOs everywhere get it right when it comes to global trade. He lays out the most important aspects of trade that businesspeople—especially those of us in the apparel industry - need to know in order to be successful. It's not easy to manage the numerous elements involved in forging trust-based and profitable trade relationships - relationships that benefit everyone involved. This incisive book helps businesspeople achieve just that. His lessons on branding and social responsibility in particular are hugely valuable for anyone just entering the worldwide trade arena. And even if you've been around the global block a few times, you'll learn something new and thought provoking. Travis's book is an essential read for anyone expanding their horizons globally. " --Scott A. Edmonds, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chico's FAS, Inc. "This book overflows with many valuable lessons for anyone who wants a better understanding of how global trade is shaping our world. It's a delightful surprise to find a business book that takes such a comprehensive look at global trade. Tom Travis's examples and tenets show that for global trade to truly be positive it must create sustainability in all of the areas involved." --Pietra Rivoli, Author of The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade
