Slide 1

CHINA

China is the fourth largest Country in the World.

China is bordered on the North by Mongolia and Russia; on the East by the Yellow and the East China seas; along the southern border are Hong Kong, Macau, the South China Sea, the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam, Bhutan and Laos; on the West by India, Nepal and Pakistan.

The population of China according to a July 2009 estimate is 1,313,973,713.

Paper , Compass , Explosive Powder and Printing qualify as the " Four Great Inventions of China ". They are also credited with having invented the wheel and the first calendar.

The largest ethnic group in China by far is the Han.

The Martial Art Kung Fu was invented by the Shaolin Monks who used it to protect themselves from robbers in lonely mountain roads.

Dos & Don'ts

Appearance1. Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.

2. Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.

3. Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.

4. Casual dress should be conservative as well.

5. Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.

6. Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.

Body language

1. Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.

2. Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.

3. It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.

4. kissing is not considered appropriate for greeting

5. chinese people slightly bow down their head to greet the elderly or people in power.

Many common Western gestures are considered rude in China -

Showing the soles of shoesPointing with the index finger use a face-up, open hand insteadBeckoning someone with the index finger use the hand with fingers motioning downward as in waving insteadWhistling to get someones attentionFinger snapping

Gifting is very delicate in CHINA:

1. It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.2. It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.3. The most acceptable gift is a bouquet. 4. Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts. 5. The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given: ClocksStraw sandalsA stork or craneHandkerchiefsAnything white, blue or black

Communications

Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first. Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return. Introductions are formal. Use formal titles. Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners. Being on time is vital in China. Appointments are a must for business. Contacts should be made prior to your trip.

Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings. The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly. Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision. Present and receive cards with both hands. Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture. Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.

Conversations and Networking

Chinese should be addressed with a title and their last name. Example: Mr., Miss, Madam, and then the last name.

Many Chinese adopt an English name to make it easier for North Americans to address them.

These names are usually odd-sounding because Chinese try hard to make their English name different from other common names.

Study China. Learn about their culture, history, and geography. Chinese people appreciate this effort.

Make an effort to learn some words in Chinese, but make sure that you know when it is appropriate to use these words. Chinese people appreciate this effort as well.

Avoid negative replies. Negative replies are impolite. Instead of saying no, say maybe, even if you mean no. Chinese people do the same to you.

If Chinese people say things like this is not a serious problem, or this is not a big deal, it usually means there is a problem.

Expect to answer intrusive questions about your age, income, title, family status and other personal topics. If you do not want to answer a question, give a broad answer, but remain polite.

Meetings, Presentations, and Negotiation Tactics

MEETING Always be on time for a meeting or appointment. Being late is an insult. When the meeting is finished, leave first. Chinese expect you to leave before they do.

BUSINESS CARD If you are handed a business card, make sure to look at it before you put it away. Not looking at a business card before putting it away results in a breach of protocol. When presenting your business card, do it with both hands. Make sure that the business card includes your title, and one side of the business card is printed in Chinese

PRESENTATION

Design:When designing presentations, keep material in black and white. Certain colors have special meanings in Chinese culture, and the meanings are mostly negativeContent:Remember that China is a Communist country, so negotiations and presentations must be set up to support the Communist party. Do not mention deadlines. Remain patient, as Chinese like to extend negotiations beyond official deadlines.

Dinner Etiquette

Always arrive on time.Do not discuss business during the meal.Always leave some food on your plate. A clean plate indicates that you were not given enough food, and this is a huge insult. Leave some tea in your cup if you do not want a refill.Slurping and belching at the table can be perfectly acceptable.Chinese people enjoy testing the ability of a foreigner to handle his or her alcohol, so be ready to drink.Do not tip. It is considered an insult.Eat whatever you are offered by your host. Refusing is considered rude.

Keep your glass below that of the eldest person in a group while toasting. The glass of the eldest person is always held high.

While having tea with a companion, always fill up his or her tea cup whenever it goes empty especially if your companion is older or a female.

Chinese believe that it is bad luck to leave even a single grain behind in a bowl. So, better finish all of the rice in your bowl.

BUSINESS CULTURE Surprisingly, gift giving in Chinese business culture is forbidden, because this gesture is considered bribery.Some businesses still practice gift giving, but the safest thing to do is avoid it.Keep in mind that Chinese businesses are very family-oriented.Chinese business culture is very relationship oriented. Expect the process of doing business with the Chinese to be a long one. In business they build relationships first, and do business afterwards.Remember that Chinese business culture is very hierarchical. It is very important to respect seniority.

Business cards are routinely exchanged at the first meeting. Carry bilingual business cards with one side in Chinese, and the other in English. Include:* Companys name* Job title* Special qualifications

When receiving a business card, receive it using both hands and compliment the card itself. Instead of immediately putting it away like in the West, keep the card out during the meeting.

When meeting someone for the first time for a China sourcing business meeting, you should engage in general conversation before turning to business. Casual conversation topics in China differ from that of English speakers. It is not impolite to ask about:* A persons job* Annual salary* Marital/dating status* Age Your answers do not have to be extremely specific, but avoiding direct questions will be viewed with wariness and suspicion.The willingness to answer questions is the important take-away from the conversation. Questions about family tend to be deflected or avoided which is nearly the direct opposite of Western culture. While having tea with a companion, always fill up his or her tea cup whenever it goes empty especially if your companion is older or a female.

Chinese believe that it is bad luck to leave even a single grain behind in a bowl. So, better finish all of the rice in your bowl.

Show your interest towards NBA Basket Ball as Chinese people love it. Always be punctual when meeting Chinese people. Punctuality reflects respect for others.

When dubious about something, follow the proverb: Watch Chinese people and do what they do.