Help is critical to tapping the potential of China’s markets
regions, each with its own unique requirements. The regional differences must be understood. The complexity of the market means you should also consider getting specialist help, which DIT can offer.
Chinese business culture places great emphasis on strong interpersonal relationships. This means firms looking to build relationships must be aware of their partners’ specific expectations.
What this means in practice is Chinese partners will expect British firms to be well prepared for meetings and engagements, and to consistently deliver on their commitments, in both time and budget terms.
A common feature of business in China are ‘joint ventures’ – management partnerships between foreign and Chinese companies which offer foreign companies access to the expertise of local firms, and can be a requirement under Chinese law.
Companies must ensure that they carry out the same extensive due diligence processes on prospective partners as they would do in the UK, take steps to protect their intellectual property, carry out credit checks and secure the appropriate insurance.
DIT has 19 experienced International Trade Advisers in the North East on hand to assist firms that are keen to start or grow their export base, as well as an extensive network staff based in China.
Firms looking for support should contact 0345 136 0169, e-mail northeast@mobile. trade.gov.uk or visit great. gov.uk, which gives access to millions of pounds’ worth of potential overseas business.