Chinese languageTo demonstrate your company is serious about conducting business in China, You should consider preparing written materials (company profile, brochures, business plans, business cards etc.) in Chinese as well as in English. An important investment is to have a reliable translator to make first contact with potential Chinese partners. As well as having the ability to accurately translate your messages, this person should also be absolutely loyal to your enterprise. A good way to ensure this is to provide an attractive remuneration package for them, as well as position and title!

For smaller companies, it is best to investigate existing staff for Chinese language skills, as they will already have a company work ethic. Promotion to overseas trade negotiation duties will help cement their loyalty. Great care should be exercised if you hire translation staff in China, as loyalties can be divided between ‘local’ Chinese business and ‘foreign’ companies. The Chinese people favour family then friends, local people, people from the same province, then Chinese people before foreigners.

Many Chinese companies have staff with English language skills, particularly written English. It is, therefore, possible to conduct business by email or fax once initial contact is made.

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