By Jack LeBlanc

My resourceful friend Smile had already put me in contact with Jackson Long, a trader in building material and, according to local rumour, a person very well connected to the inside gangways of the Chongqing political elite. Long had named himself after the ‘most famous’ of American singers, according to Long: ‘The illustrious megastar, Michael Jackson.’

Our first contact was in the city centre, where he ran his building- materials empire. Most building contractors worth the name had to visit his offices to buy anything from bricks to bathroom appliances. Sitting on the sixth floor of a white-tiled office building garnished with blue windows, Long’s headquarters were something of a turn-off. Read the rest of “The great glass curtain walls of China. Part 2″ or post a comment

By Leon Yu 

Many articles here are talking about how to find good suppliers, but ARE YOU A GOOD BUYER?

China is a big country, but in business it is a small world, worldwide. If you cooperate with multiple suppliers, don’t forget that Mr. A might know Mr. B also. If Mr. A thinks you are bad business, he might tell Mr. B., spelling damage for your operation. Looking to avoid such a situation? Here are a few tips on how to be a good buyer.

1. Communicate with the supplier by email, fax, telephone, IM: nowadays people tend to use email for most business communications, but let your supplier hear your voice and see your handwriting, it will make them feel more confident. Read the rest of “Are you a good buyer?” or post a comment

By Craig Russell

Over the past few months, we have witnessed the most concerted global effort in history to bail out the world economy. However in the process, more questions have been raised than answered. The impact of what started out as the subprime crisis has left many market watchers floundering in uncharted waters.

One of the biggest concerns is if we are in for a global depression. We believe that China will be the deciding factor between a recession or depression. The global financial system will be supported as long the Chinese consumer continues to spend at an increased rate. Read the rest of “China: The difference between recession or depression” or post a comment

Even though the world has fallen under the spell of the economic crisis, entrepreneurs realize that stagnation inevitably means going back. China has not, all of the sudden, become less popular as a business partner, and for some the current situation gives an extra boost to find out where and how money can be saved.

For the companies that want to orientate themselves…

Read the rest of “Specific Orientation” or post a comment >>

By Jack LeBlanc

Successful negotiations in China require great reserves of the most precious commodity of all: Time. The ability to squander it as if you had a lifetime to wait will earn you the goodwill of your Chinese partners.

Extra credit points can be won by adapting to the sometimes- unusual wishes of your host. When patience, perseverance and flexibility have become part of your China assets, success may finally be yours. But sometimes – only sometimes – ignorance is bliss….

Chongqing, Wednesday March 11th, 1990, 15:21
Read the rest of “The great glass curtain walls of China. Part 1″ or post a comment