Hong Kong, like most Asian countries, has many business customs
that differ from those in New Zealand and it is important to adhere
to these in order to avoid offending your business contacts.
Market Key Facts
Sources: CIA World Factbook (Currency, Population,
Language)
Hong Kong Statistics Dept (Total Outbound
Travel)
| Key Source Regions/Cities |
Hong Kong |
| Direct Routes into New Zealand |
Hong Kong - Auckland
|
| Airlines |
Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific |
| Leave Entitlement |
Usually 7 - 14 days per annum (civil servants and those working
for large corporations may have more depending on seniority and
years of service) |
| Population |
7,089,705 (est. Jul 2010) |
| Languages |
Chinese (Cantonese) English (official) |
| Currency |
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) |
| Total Outbound Travellers |
6,300,000 (2009)
|
| Peak Booking Periods |
January - February (Chinese New Year)
April (Easter)
July - August (Summer)
December (Christmas) |
| Peak Travel Periods |
February and December
|
Doing Business in Hong Kong
- Building up a good relationship is important in Hong Kong.
Business dealings will run more smoothly if trust can be developed
and nurtured. A little Cantonese or Mandarin language will go a
long way. Make the effort to learn a few words.
- Chinese people hold their elders in very high regard. An extra
show of courtesy and visible acknowledgement of an elderly person
will reflect well on you.
- Business cards are a must in Asia. It is a good idea to have
your name printed in Chinese on the back of your card. Titles are
also important as Chinese prefer to deal with senior managers and
above.
- It is a common business practice to state your meeting
objectives and provide clients with printed materials profiling
your company before you first meet
- Many Hong Kong people have both a European Christian name as
well as a Chinese name. The surname or family name usually follows
the European name. The Chinese name (usually two words)
traditionally follows the surname, e.g. Raymond Lee Fook Meng - the
surname is Lee and he should be addressed as Mr Lee.
- Hong Kong people are often quick to drop formalities once they
feel comfortable with a person and you may then reciprocate by
using their European name
Want to know more about doing business in Hong Kong?
Visit the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
corporate website