China is: only a base for low-cost manufacturing; corrupt and bound to spit out your IP rights; a market of one billion budding consumers; a totally alien business culture. There's truth in all of these statements, but not much.
Doing business in China is a hugely complex, and controversial subject. You could spend a lifetime perfecting the skills. But, as every year passes, this huge country becomes more hospitable to UK companies seeking to take their business international.
As David Eldon, former HSBC chairman for China, says: “Building and maintaining the right connections is crucial – and challenging – for all companies doing business in China. Your relationships will need to extend to all levels of government and, depending on your line of business, through several layers of regulators as well. That said, the influence – and, thus, the potential for corruption – of individual officials is being reduced.”
Click here for a powerful insight into the secrets of success in China.