Doing Business in China For Dummies®

Taking the First Steps: What You Can Do Today

Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” That’s good advice for someone exploring the China market for the first time. This section can give you some valuable ideas on how you can get started now.

The right next steps to get you and your company headed in the correct direction aren’t that difficult. Here are three simple steps to assist you in getting started on your journey:

1.

Read. A lot of information on China is in the media and online. You can find some good info from government and official agencies, such as your country’s commercial or trade service and the chamber of commerce. Some countries offer specific China-related resources for businesses thinking about doing business in China. Check out what specific China information and services your home country government may provide. Some of what you read may be of limited value. China is so big and diverse that generalizing about it is almost impossible. Moreover, some writers step off the plane, see modern buildings and new cars, and write about China as though it’s as developed as Luxembourg. A lot of sources don’t give you a realistic picture. Be wary of any literature that seems overly positive or overly negative on China.

2.

Go there. Take business trips to different parts of China. Consider visits to both large- ...