Services
Legitimate owners of intellectual property lose billions of dollars annually to Chinese counterfeiters. This reduces investment of capital, technology, innovation and know-how, and increases the cost of production for foreign investors. Mr. Kennedy discusses practical anti-counterfeiting strategies such as keeping a close eye on your authorized suppliers, and frequently checking in with your legal and consultant team.
Dr. Mobley talks about challenges and opportunities presented by second and third-tier cities in central and western China. He shares insight on key issues for companies doing business in these cities, such as the importance of creating and nurturing relationships, finding and recruiting talent, dealing with corruption issues and interacting with local and provincial governments.
Companies spend vast sums to cultivate the kind of image that will help them become more profitable, but when a crisis hits, all that investment in public trust could be replaced by skepticism, as well as financial and legal ruin. David Chard specializes in teaching executives to resist the knee-jerk reaction to “shut up and lock down”. His main message: Preparedness.
When a foreign party does a merger and acquisition deal in China, it needs to be expert at reading minds. Wang shares key insights into the current generation of Chinese CEOs. After sixty years in a planned economy, China’s current business leaders are predominantly self-made. They are cautious and respectful of the government. They are sensitive to the ways that rules and regulations are enforced and applied. They are unlikely to reveal all their concerns to others. The way to ensure a successful outcome is to become a mind reader. Wang’s insights include:
Nicholas V. Chen explains that depending on one’s business goals, one will necessarily select a China legal structure specifically tailored to conduct such a business. Unlike in some western societies where one form of company can be used for a broad unlimited business scope, in China different corporate structures are used for different purposes. It is important to understand the structural options to avoid trying to cram a round peg through a square hole.
Street level businesses face multiple challenges including the need to secure permits and licenses in a society which expects an exchange of favors and benefits at all levels. Establishing, growing and protecting a successful business requires practical street-smarts guided by a market-tested moral compass.
Mark Secchia discusses Sherpas’ business model in terms of marketing, finance and growth strategy. He shares his experience and rationale for decisions such as focusing on servicing the English-speaking expatriate community exclusively and expanding the business by offering the same service in different cities, instead of trying to service other customer segments or deliver other products in Shanghai.
He also provides valuable insight on Sherpas’ self-sufficient approach to finance issues and tells us about his plans and strategies for future expansion.
The amazing rate of economic growth in China has created a surge in the middle class. Propelled forward by increasing affluence, local administrations and the national government have invested heavily in numerous art and cultural venues (museums, exhibition centers, etc.). Mr. Tan talks about his optimistic forecast for the fine arts and performing arts industry in China. He also considers the challenges this industry will face in the future, including the possibility of inflation.
Victor W. Nee talks about the importance of building synergy in China, whether it is with the government or your local partner. Since confidence and personal trust are even more important than any written contract in Chinese society, the building of this confidence through synergy and win-win agreements is an essential ingredient for the success of any business venture in China.
Ms. Duthie shares her insight about China's middle class, from its unique definition to current and future lifestyle trends. She also discusses emerging industries that will likely experience increased growth by catering to this growing segment of the population.
