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Sources of information on U.S.- Apac (Asia Pacific) business conditions as well
as on regulations affecting logistics and transportation in Asia are growing daily.
The following are just a few of the many resources available online:
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This is the site of the China
World Trade Corporation, a member if the World Trade Centers
Association and a gateway to business and investment opportunities
in this developing region. www.chinawtc.com |
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American Chamber of Commerce in China
(www.amcham-china.org) |
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Federation of International Trade Associations
(www.fita.org) |
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Hong Kong Trade Development Council (www.tdctrade.com) |
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Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
(www.ustr.gov) |
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U.S.-China Business Council (www.uschina.org) |
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World Bank/Chinese government (www.chinagate.com) |
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World Trade Organization (www.wto.org) |
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There is a Chinese Manufacturers’
Association of Hong Kong. See www.cma.org.hk for details and
contact info. |
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SARS impact on business. - For analysis
refer to the U.S Foreign Commercial Service. Contact info:
hong.kong.office.box@mail.doc.gov
/ telephone (852) 2521-1467 |
Chinadotcom
www.china.com
Causeway Bay
Phone: (852) 2893-8200
E-Mail contact@hk.china.com
CEO: Peter Yip
Founded: 1995
Hutchison Whampoa
www.hutchson-whampoa.com
Central
Phone: (852) 2128-1188
E-Mail: info@hutchison-whampoa.com
Chairman: Li Ka-shing
Founded: 1828
GEM
www.hkgem.com Launched
in November 1999, the Growth Enterprise Market is Hong Kong's answer
to Nasdaq GEM caters to Greater China's high tech companies that
may not qualify for the stodgier, heavily regulates Hong Kong Stock
Exchange. Through its adolescence has been stunned by the world
wide correction in tech stocks, GEM still manages to attract many
local talents. Forty-nine companies are listed on the GEM board.
Asia Society
www.asiasociety.org
Phone: (852) 2103-9508
The Hong Kong chapter of the Asia Society hosts seminars for 1,500
local Sinophiles. Hot topics range from China's entry into the WTO
to the fate of offline businesses in the online age.
Government
Government agencies provide helpful primers in doing business in
Hong Kong, from meeting the right people to setting up a
local office.
Business Essentials
www.business.gov.hk Excellent
tips on how to conduct business in the territory.
Laws, Customs, Labor Codes
www.freeconomy.org An overview
of what makes the world's freest economy tick-laws, customs, labor
freedoms and more.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
www.tdctrade.com A good starting
point for international dealmakers. Lists market intelligence, trade
contacts, and in information on business events.
Business Tips
Business Cards
Two hands should be used when giving and receiving business cards.
Business Meals
Business meals are intended not for dealmaking but for impressing
guests. Business is not discussed until adequate time has been spent
on lighter topics. The guest of honor always sits facing the door.
Giving Gifts
Gifts are often exchanged when a deal is signed. Appropriate items
include business accessories of a souvenir from your home state.
Conventional gifts from Mainland China-such as cognac or Marlboro
Reds-do not always translate well. Also, steer clear of sharp objects
like knives (which signify the severing of a relationship), the color
white (the color of mourning) and clocks (the Cantonese word for clock
is a homophone of funeral).
Business Attire
In high-tech circles, dress is business-casual-khakis, button-up
shirts, and the like. Law, finance, and conservative sectors will
favor suits.
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