Chinese people traditionally do business on the basis of mutual
trust, rather than written contracts, so it is important to gain
the trust of key people. Creating a favourable impression in China
depends largely on exhibiting common courtesy, respect and a degree
of modesty.
Market Key Facts
Sources: CIA World Factbook (Currency, Population,
Language)
CNTA, August 2009: China Tourism News (Total Outbound
Travel)
| Key Source Regions/Cities |
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou |
| Direct Routes into New Zealand |
Shanghai - Auckland
Beijing - Auckland |
| Airlines |
Air New Zealand |
| Leave Entitlement |
5-15 days per annum |
| Population |
1,338,612,968 (Jul 2009 est.) |
| Languages |
Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing
dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou),
Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority
languages |
| Currency |
Renminbi (RMB)/Yuan (CNY)
1 RMB/CNY = 10 jiao |
| Total Outbound Travellers |
46,000,000 (2008) +12 %
47,500,000 (2009)
51,000,000+ (2010 est. cottm.com)
|
| Peak Booking Periods |
Late August - September for October National Holiday
Late November, December, January for Chinese New Year |
| Peak Travel Periods |
November - April |
Doing Business in China
- The Chinese do not react favourably to raised voices. Be
reserved and tactful. When seated, it is good manners to place your
hands in your lap.
- Visibly acknowledge the presence of older people and show
additional courtesy. Asian cultures have a particular regard for
those older than themselves. Surnames are placed first in Chinese.
Mr Chan Kah Kee is therefore addressed as 'Mr Chan'. A handshake is
the normal greeting for men and women.
- Business cards should be received and presented with both
hands. It is also a sign of respect to keep hold of the card, not
put it away immediately in your pocket or holder.
- A great deal of business in China, as in the rest of Asia, is
conducted after hours, over dinner or karaoke. It is appropriate to
give small gifts such as New Zealand products like greenstone or
woodcarvings.
- 'Yes' means only that the listener has heard you. A positive
statement that confirms 'yes', to mean 'I agree', must follow it.
Directly confronting someone about having made a mistake is not the
best way to proceed. Talk around the subject, allowing them to save
face. Establishing rapport or relationships ("guanxi") is important
for doing business in China.
Want to know more about doing business in China?
Visit the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
corporate website