Business trip to Hong Kong, China

• Communication:
  Use an intermediary to get introduced.
  Take your time and be very patient. It can take a very long time to build a relation.
  Use formal names and academic titles. Rank is very important and should be respected at all time.
  Chinese are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness. They will not tell you what they think.
  Dress formal and conservative. Womens should wear flat shoes.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  A translator/intermediary is essential.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed but a meeting can take much longer then planned because decisions take a long time.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate and use only black and white colors!
  Written material should be available in both Chinese and English, using simplified Chinese characters. Make certain that translations are accurate and cannot be misinterpreted.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined.
  
• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Bring a gift for your host.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Do not talk business.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  Learn to use chopsticks.
  Try everything that is offered.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  Making slurping sounds is allowed of even appreciated.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

In 2008, inflation, measured by the country’s consumer price index, dropped slightly from the year prior to about 6 percent but continues to be an economic threat. China’s manufacturing base helped the country hit record trade surplus levels of € 189 billion in 2008. Foreign investment is strong with China remaining as one of the main destinations for foreign capital investment, though growth began to slide in 2008. China’s economic miracle is tempered by a number of looming threats, namely a rapidly aging population and a perilously deteriorating environment.

In the end of 2008 the Chinese government, in order to shore up the weakening domestic economy, unveiled a € 371 billion (RMB 4 trillion) economic stimulus plan. € 168 billion, or 45 percent, of the stimulus package will go toward the construction of railways, highways, airports and power grids; another € 93 billion will be used for post-disaster reconstruction, which includes rebuilding after snowstorms that hit Central China in early 2008 and the earthquake that struck Sichuan province in May. € 34 billion will go towards rural development and infrastructure projects; € 32 billion has been earmarked for ecological environment; € 26 billion will be used for low-income housing; and the rest will be spent on health, culture, education and innovation.

Despite these remarkable changes, China is still a developing country, although one with vast potential. Spread over a population of 1.3 billion, China’s colossal economy does not represent a large amount of disposable income for each person. Annual per capita income in China is around € 1.100. Yet, surprisingly, China stands as the world’s third largest market for luxury goods behind Japan and the United States. The income distribution within the country is highly uneven with urban centers, such as Beijing and Shanghai, enjoying a per capita income of more than double the nation’s average. Some studies estimate that there are now more than 200 million Chinese citizens with a per capita income over € 5.000. That said China’s per capita income figures are poised to change dramatically. Over the next several years, many economists predict a surge in the number of people achieving middle class status.

Some facts in a list:

Product tip: Keep an eye on the size of your trolley Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as ’carry-on’, but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 114 cm, in the form of a 55 x 40 x 20 cm bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 140 cm, but most do not. Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers seldom tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches).

An interpreter who also speaks the language of your business
An interpreter that has graduated with honors speaks its languages perfectly. But.. you are better of with someone who knows what type of business you’re in and knows the right translations and understands your business. Ask around for the right interpreter and choose the interpreter who feels at home in your core business.

Interpreter etiquette
During the meeting, keep looking at your business contact, not at your interpreter, not even when he or she is talking. Try to avoid the specific terminology of your industry. A wrong translation can lead to misunderstandings. Answers your business contact with a “yes” or a “no”, try determine to what he or she answered exactly so that there can be no misunderstandings about the results.

Never rush
Remember that Chinese negotiations usually go through several stages. First there is an informal prenegotiation. After that follows the official main negotiation. After that there is a possibility of some sort of after-negotiation. Don’t try to force the state of affairs, that could jeopordize the complete negotiations. In advance make proper arrangements with your interpreter, you will need the same interpreter during all those 3 meetings.

Who is the decision maker?
During your meeting try to find as early as possible who will take the final decision in the end. Your Chinese contacts usually speak to you with a group, but only one of them will make the final decision. See who enters the room first and in which order your business contacts present their businesscards. Who takes the floor first? How do the Chinese business contacts react to one another? When you can find out who is the decision maker and you are able to convince that person, you will probably get the approval of the whole group.

Address
Hong Kong International Airport
HKIA Tower
1 Sky Plaza Road
Lantau
Hong Kong
Telephone: +852(0)2 181 8888
www.hongkongairport.com

Airport codes
IATA airport code: HKG
ICAO airport code: VHHH

Lost property
If you have lost something during your stay at HKIA, find help at the Lost and Found Office at Room 6T056 on Level 6 of Terminal 1. The office provides lost property registration, storage, enquiry, and retrieval services for items lost in the terminals.

The office is operated by Worldwide Flight Services. You can make enquiries in person or by fax or email:
Location : Room 6T056, Level 6, Terminal 1 (non-restricted areas)
Telephone : +852 2182 2018
Fax : +852 2182 2087
Service Hours : 07:00 – 23:59
Email : Lost-f@hkairport.com

Note : If you have left anything onboard an aircraft, please contact your airline.

Train
The Airport Express van MTR Corporation (tel: +852(0)2 881 8888) departs from the Ground Transportation Center to the center of Hong Kong. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and these trains also stop in Kowloon station.

Taxi
There are also taxis at the Ground Transportation Center. Bear in mind, the taxis have different colors, depending on their destination. Red taxis drive to virtually every destination in Hong Kong, with the exception of Lantau Island, green taxis drive to the New Territories, except those parts that are serviced by the red taxis, and blue taxis drive to places in Lantau Island. A taxi ride to the center of Hong Kong costs approximately € 30-35.

There are three colours of taxi to indicate their areas of service, but all serve the airport:

• Red taxis operate in most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road and the south side of Lantau Island;
• Green taxis serve the rural areas of the New Territories;
• Blue taxis operate only on Lantau Island.

All taxis can go to and from the Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers are required by law to wear a seat belt when available, whether sitting in the front or rear. All taxis are regulated and taxi drivers are required to display their Taxi Driver Identity card on the dashboard.

Taxi fare information is listed on the inside of the taxi. Refer to the meter for the exact charge. Always ask for a receipt. This helps you track down lost items or the taxi driver. If you can’t read the price, the taxi number or the fine print on the receipt, ask for a hand-written version.

When you encounter any problems with the taxi service, such as possible overcharging, take down the taxi driver’s name and licence plate number as shown on the Taxi Driver Identity card on the cab’s dashboard. Contact the number below to lodge your complaint.

The Peak Lookout
Hong Kong is a gastronome’s paradise with many great places to eat, one such place is the Peak Lookout. The Peak Lookout boasts a beautiful setting with both indoor and outdoor seating with a panoramic view of Aberdeen.
121 Peak Road
The Peak, Hong Kong
Tel:2849 1000
E-mail:info@peaklookout.com.hk
www.thepeaklookout.com.hk

The Bostonian Restaurant
The Bostonian has an excellent reputation for its lively atmosphere and superb dishes such as Boston lobsters served American style. You may dine assured that only the finest freshest ingredients make it past the watchful eyes of our ever alert chefs and into our very creative kitchens. And our sommelier also has much to offer.
8 Peking Road
Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Hong Kong
T (852) 2375 1133
hongkong.langhamhotels.com

Man Wah Restaurant
In addition to the ambience of imperial splendour, the panoramic views of Victoria harbour and the cityscape are not to be missed. Chef Joseph Tse’s master skills are demonstrated in the menu that includes local favourite dishes alongside seasonal specialties presented with modern flair. The service is impeccable and staff pride themselves on maintaining the traditions.
5 Connaught Road
Central Hong Kong
Phone: + 852 2825 4003
Email: mohkg-manwah@mohg.com
www.mandarinoriental.com

Regal Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong
The Regal Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong offers many modern amenities, such as a fitness center, a sauna, a game room, a variety of restaurants, a reading room, a nightclub, a spa, and a beauty salon. The hotel also includes fourteen function rooms, childcare services, banquet facilities, a currency exchange counter, a gift shop, and an on-call medical service.
71 Mody Road
Hong Kong
More info about Regal Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong

Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong
Four star 454-room contemporary deluxe Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong is conveniently located and enjoys good transport links. It offers guests great value with a wealth of amenities at affordable prices. Located amidst commercial Wanchai district and shopping Causeway Bay area, Cosmopolitan Hotel is only a 8-min walk / 5-min drive to Times Square mega shopping centre and a 10-min drive to Convention Centre.
387-397 Queen’s Road East
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
More info about Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong

Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong KongThe Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong is forty-five minutes from the Chek Lap Kok International Airport, and is a just a short walk away from a mass transit station and the Star Ferry Terminal. The rooms at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong offer many amenities. These amenities include satellite television, a DVD player, high-speed Internet access, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, minibars, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and complimentary newspapers. Suites and executive suites are available to guests.
50 Nathan Road
Hong Kong
More info about Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong

Pop into the renovated wtc more, next to the Excelsior Hotel, for mid-range fashions. This is the rebranded World Trade Centre. On the fourth floor you’ll find a large Muji, well stocked with clothes and also snacks and fast-heat TV dinners. On the fifth floor, right above (though you’ll have to use the confusing elevators), is UniQlo, with more attractively priced clothing, jeans, suits, blouses, and t-shirts.

Coming down to the second floor, Pink Box is the place for that romantic gift including watches. Other watch shops include Amaro, Tissot, and Madia. Entering the ground floor of wtc more from the Jaffe Road entrance you’ll spot SPORT b from agnès b, a new casual fashion line with t-shirts, sports shoes and informal wear. Also look out for agnès b, POLICE, DKNY Jeans, handbags and accessories from Jill Scott, bright attire from bread n’ butter (young women’s wear), the multi-brand showcase at TWIST, Maude Frizon Paris, and more. For beauty care products there’s Jurlique, Sonia Rykiel, and FANCL.

Next to Sogo on Great George Street, the Island Beverley and Causeway Place shopping arcades are handy for trendy clothes and accessories. If you’re short on time, head straight to Island Beverley, featuring mainly local designers and imported Japanese and European clothing.

Architecture tour
A tour of the major landmarks in Hong Kong is a good way to get acquainted with the city and learn about its history at the same time. The Architecture Institute of Hong Kong organizes tours of some of the notable buildings downtown. The tours are conducted by a local architect and take about three hours. On the tours you will be introduced to the older, colonial buildings such as the Central Police Station and the French Mission, as well as some great modern architecture, including the Hong Kong and Shanghai building designed by Sir Norman Foster in 1985.

Visit the most important temples
The Man Mo Temple is one of the most important in Hong Kong. Located near Hollywood Road, it was built in 1848 and is named after Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of martial arts. Inside, the air is thick with the smoke from coils of incense paper burned by worshipers. You can also see statues of the deities, Man holding a calligraphy brush and Mo holding a sword.

Wong Tai Sin Temple is the most well known Taoist temple in Hong Kong. Ornately decorated with red pillars and a golden roof, Wong Tai Sin is always crowded with worshipers. It is dedicated to a famed healer and Taoist disciple, whose portrait adorns the main altar. Today, people pray at the temple for help with their health and money, and come to have their fortunes read.

In case of a medical emergency you can contact:
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital (港安醫院，司徒拔道)
Address: 40 Stubbs Road, Hong Kong
Telephone: 3651-8888
A private general hospital with good emergency facilities and outpatient services that include 24-hour urgent care & dental care. The hospital is equipped with a cardiac and intensive care unit for adults. English is spoken by all professional and administrative staff.
Visa & Master cards accepted.

When you travel between Hong Kong and the mainland multiple times you do need a multiple entry visa for that purpose. Each time you enter China from Hong Kong or Macao, you need one entry. Citizens of most countries in North America and Europe can visit Hong Kong and Macao without a visa. You can check if you have to apply for a visa on http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of application in order to get a visa. You can get a single or double entry visa if your passport expires in less than 12 months, but more than 6 months. You can only get a 12-month multiple entry visa if your passport is valid for at least 12 months.

When you are offered a job in China and want your spouse and children to accompany you they can get work visas as well. Their names need to appear on the supporting documents you receive from the Chinese employer. Or you can provide a copy of marriage license and the children’s birth certificates.