Needless to say, China has become the world’s leading manufacturing base. However, with the recent product safety scares and the constant media attention, “Made in China” has become a high-profile issue for consumers and retailers. So how does a foreign company minimize the risks of tainted/substandard products manufactured in China? In this article, we discuss contract terms which foreign companies should consider when entering…

Read the rest of “OEM Agreements in China” or post a comment>>

China is often referred too as the awakening dragon. People who have visited China acknowledge the dynamic atmosphere in the country and fully understand the definition of 24-hour economy.  Receiving a production order at Friday 21.30, having a meeting with the production manager on Sunday and realizing delivery at Monday 8:00 common practice in China. The Chinese are experts when it comes to improvisation. An advantage if you are dealing with tight deadlines but challenging for scheduling delegations or for people who are addicted to punctuality.

Read the rest of “Stubborn flexibility” or post a comment>>

Most of this paper has talked about Western companies in general, and aims to provide recommendations on how Westerners should seek to market and sell themselves to Chinese businesses. It is worth, however, considering how companies from different Western nations are considered. Figure 9 summarises the main strengths and weaknesses of companies from the four largest Western economies, as perceived by Chinese buyers and business owners.

Read the rest of “Marketing and Selling to Chinese Businesses - Part 4″ or post a comment>>

The push to get out of high-cost offices, factories and warehouses in city center locations, continues at a pace in China.A combination of rising real-estate prices for Grade A buildings, 18% average salary increases year-on-year, and a push for a cost-down corporate strategy, ensures that there are few other choices. The China Plus 1 strategy takes you only so far because the strategy always includes at least one location in China.

Read the rest of “Moving To the Suburbs I” or post a comment>>

The growth in China in the past 10 years has been unprecedented. China is still the most popular destination for foreign manufacturing investments on the globe. In 2007 it attracted more than $80 billion in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). The China economy continues to “over heat.” The average annual GDP growth in 2002-06 was 10.3%, while per capita GDP …

Read the rest of “Tough Times Call for Smart Measures” or post a comment >>