Ideas for keeping in touch with family while traveling

Although our kids are in their 30s, working professionals and live in another city, my wife insists they keep in close touch when they’re traveling. The era of the cell phone and internet has made that task both easy and, at least for we parents, enjoyable.

One son recently went on a business trip to China. His client firm paid for everything, including first class air tickets. Throughout the trip, we received many calls, and most exciting, digital photos on the internet as the events happened. We saw him lounging in his comfy seat/bed on the plane. He posed with locals and Chinese soldiers at Tianamin (sp?) Square in Beijing. He sent photos of dining at various Hong Kong restaurants, including one on a sampan in the harbor. He then showed up riding a rickshaw and later perched on a camel.

Because he was so thoughtful, we had the vicarious thrill of sharing in his adventures. Next month, the same company is sending him to France, where he’ll attend the Cannes Film Festival. He promised his dad he’ll be sure to take his camera to the most posh events and get photos of famed actors. He also intends to go to the beach to get shots of the famed topless bathers just for his dad. Now, there’s a thoughtful son!

Our daughter is a TV writer/producer, and travels frequently on assignments. Her trips are planned by a big travel agency, and our daughter makes sure her printed itineraries are always emailed to us. She also send photos, which also often include famous people she encounters. We can always check both of their itineraries, and if there’s a family emergency, get in touch within minutes. Fortunately, it has never happened, but it is comforting to know the option is always there.

When we parents travel, we do the same. We recently crossed the country from West to East to attend a large family gathering. Our busy kids couldn’t make the trip, but I shot some photos, made up a composite email page and sent them to the absentees. They were very much appreciated. As usual, we talked by cell phone several times during the trip.

Although we never do it … too old and too frightened … our kids often cell phone us while driving. They both live in a big, busy city and are often stuck in traffic during drive time. That’s when they call. All of us find that another best time to call is when in the airport waiting for a flight. In both situations, talking on the phone is not only convenient, but helps pass the frustrating time.

Allergy Check

An allergy occurs, when a person is sensitized to a known substance, that provokes an allergic reaction. These substances are called allergens, or triggers, because they trigger an overreaction by the body’s immune system. There are naturally occurring allergens, like pollens, environmental substances, like chemicals, and the foods that we eat, mostly proteins, and many others.

There are four different ways through which allergens can enter the body:

Inhalation – as with pollen and dust mites.

Eating – as with some foods.

Absorption – through the skin, as with some plants or chemicals.

Injection – people can be allergic to drugs, such as penicillin.

If an allergic person experiences an allergen, for the first time, the symptoms do not occur, but the immune system is sensitized. Consider it, as becoming ready to resist allergens, that it wrongly takes to be invaders, intent on doing harm to the body.

Having become hypersensitized to a particular substance, the next time the immune system experiences the same type of allergen; it automatically mass-produces antibodies to deal with the imagined threat. These antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate throughout the body, they interact with other cells. Substances, including histamine, create inflammation, that is a common allergy condition. Allergies differ from person to person, and the symptoms range from something as mild as a drippy nose, to anaphylactic shock, which is sometimes fatal.

Testing and Diagnoses

When it is suitable, skin testing is preferred to blood testing, because it is more specific, easier to do, and more economic. However, your physician will advise what is best suited to your condition.

Treatment

Doctors, who are experts in dealing with allergic disorders, undertake intensive training. In the USA at leastnine years is required to become an allergist immunologist. It is reassuring to know that real improvements in medical treatments have been developed by allergists. These include fast acting epinephrine tablets, low allergy foods, and advances in dealing with yellow jacket stings.

Immunotherapy

If immunotherapy is thought to be a suitable treatment, it may either reduce the severity of an allergy or cure it completely. It involves injecting gradually increased dosage, of the allergen, identified as causing the symptoms. There have been encouraging results in dealing with rhinitis and asthma.

Prescribed Drugs

Several drugs are used to counter the symptoms of allergy including, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. Some preparations are obtainable over the counter, but it is best to find out from your doctor, what is recommeded for your own allergy.

Summary

Nobody knows precisely why some individuals suffer from allergies, when others do not. Studies suggest that there is a hereditary factor with some allergies.

It does seem sure that the incidence of allergies is growing, and that it seems to have something to do with contemporary living.

As an example, offices have become airtight, with windows that used to open giving way to air conditioning. However, the quality of the outside air, particularly in built up areas, is questionable. On a global basis, rain forests are being cut down, whilst pollution emitting vehicles are increasing. Add the economic advancement of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial soup.

Some of the Chinese settlers develop hay fever, after moving to the USA, for a few years. More recently, there has been a lot of publicity about industrial pollution in Beijing, and other cities. Probably the time could soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, home grown sort of rhinitis! Will the new found success be accompanied by allergic respiratory diseases – if it does, it must prove something!

Important

The content of this article is only for general information, and should not be used as a replacement for the medical advice of your doctor, or other medically qualified practitioner. Always seek confirmation from your doctor, before deciding whether any product or treatment, is appropriate for your condition.

You should know that what suits one allergy sufferer might be inappropriate for another. Do not act on any advice you have read, either in this article or anywhere else, without the full approval of your doctor. The author cannot accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article.

Franchising – the Way to Go in China

With some 200,000 franchised retail stores representing over 2,600 brands, China is now the largest franchise market in the world.  Led by early successes of both foreign and domestic brands such as Nike and LiNing, this industry has been growing at an astonishing rate of 35 to 40 percent over the past few years.  Especially in the mid to late 90’s, many businesses across all sectors including F&B, fashion, education fitness and real estate have set up franchised chain stores all across China soils.   

Drivers of growth

In a study conducted by The JLJ Group, it was found that this rapid spread of franchise networks can be attributed to the growing middle class in China, the rising acceptance of franchising concept among entrepreneurs as well as overall improvements in China’s regulatory environment.

Many brands have been lured to China by the increasing disposable income and the exploratory attitudes of its growing middle-class.  This is one of the key drivers that motivated Subway as well as Papa John’s to expand quickly in China. Their goal was to fight for a slice of the market with other well-established early entrants such as KFC, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut – and franchising seemed a viable option.  By leveraging the financial resources of the franchisees, Subway swiftly filled East China and Sichuan with more than sixty outlets while over fifty Papa John’s restaurants satisfies the pizza craves of those in East China.

While demand is spurred by the growing middle class, entrepreneurial spirit of Chinese individuals and companies have helped sustained a constant supply of capital that both foreign and domestic franchisors can tap into.  KFC attracts 100 applicants every month, each ready with the RMB 8 million capital required to open a KFC outlet. 

The gradual evolution and improvement of China’s regulatory environment also played an important role in advancing the franchise industry.  China first enacted its franchise law in 1997.  However, the laws did not specify any provisions for foreign companies and many early franchisors were operating in grey areas.  Following its accession to the WTO (World Trade Organization), new franchise regulations were released in 2005 and 2007, offering much more flexibility and options for foreign brands, particularly in the area of cross-border franchising.

The thoughts of utilizing the franchisees’ deep pool of capital to penetrate the market faster, as well as having entrepreneurs themselves as motivated managers to run the business have definitely enticed many brands.  At the start of 2007, 69% of the companies with existing chain stores in China have adopted the franchise model for business expansion. 

However, there are others who are hesitant.  KFC and McDonald’s – who have both embraced the franchising model outside China – have only few franchised outlets in China.  And Pizza Hut has none.  So why are these major players so cautious about taking the franchising plunge?  

Finding Reliable Partners

Though there is no lack of Chinese entrepreneurs willing to invest in a franchised store, few are competent to manage one.  Many local franchisees do not have a good understanding of the franchising concept and lack modern management practices.  For example, a popular Inner-Mongolia hotpot chain Xiao Fei Yang is closing franchised stores that do not meet its quality standards.  Wide-Tera, an international player with around 70 fitness gyms in China has also reclaimed many of its franchised gyms. Both brands, painstakingly established over the years, were damaged by the franchisees’ poor product knowledge, inferior equipment or ingredient purchases and lousy service quality.

Providing long-term guidance and training has thus become a critical focus of many franchisors.  Burger King – which has big plans to set up as many as 1,000 outlets by 2015 – requires all their franchisees to undergo six months of training, while KFC provides a twenty-week training to bring their franchisees up to speed.

There are so many challenges to overcome that many chain stores prefer to expand through direct ownership stores or Joint Ventures (JVs) with local partners in China.  At the same time, the fast-growing market offers potential to yield higher returns through direct ownership of stores.  Among those that do franchise, 60% chose to establish master franchisee agreements with reputable companies for different regions.  Such organizations are better equipped with management experience and are less likely to sacrifice brand image and quality for short-term gains.  Most Papa John’s outlets in Shanghai are run by a master franchise Shanghai RCS Group Co. Ltd and RCS’s sub-franchisees.  

Adapting to fit local tastes

International franchisors should also consciously assess the vast differences between China and other countries.  Even within China, regional tastes and practical needs may vary considerably.  While Sichuan food is very spicy, Southeastern food tends to be bland.  Though consistency is an important facet of the franchising concept, innovative product modifications to fit local demands have a strong bearing on the success of franchise chains.  KFC local offerings such as spicy chicken burgers and mushroom chicken congee have become key attractions for Chinese consumers.  Burger King ran a pilot restaurant in a hidden location to analyze local tastes prior to its official entry and has now developed a loyal following among local teens, white collars and expatriates.

Taste preference apart, China is also very fragmented in terms of spending power.  Average incomes in cities such as Chongqing, Qingdao, Xi’an are substantially lower than that in Beijing and Shanghai. This implies that franchisors may need to strategize effectively the launch of products in smaller volumes or at reduced prices.  For instance, McDonald’s and KFC have been very successful with using their 1 yuan ice creams to attract crowds into their restaurants.

Last but not least, purchase priorities differ across regions in China. Take Nanjing for example,  one may imagine that their higher disposable income as compared to cities such as Qingdao, Chongqing and Xi’an, the Nanjing population should correlate to higher dining expenses.  In reality, the Nanjing population spends lesser dining out as compared to the other three cities, but prefer instead to spend on education. 

Preventing the Copycats

Another key challenge that slows the take-off of franchising, or for that matter any other foreign business entry in China, is the widespread violation of Intellectual Property (IP).  While regulations are in place, enforcement is weak.  The responsibility to track down violations often falls on the IP owner.  Quan Ju De is one that has fallen prey to cheap copycats exploiting their logo to attract customers.  Xiao Fei Yang also witnessed many imitators operating under its brand – some of which are ex-franchisees fired for failing to meet standards.

Though registering trademarks may not guarantee the franchisors recourse on IP violations, failure to do so may lead to dreadful consequences.  As China grants trademarks on a “first-to-register” basis, there have been cases of individuals maliciously registering another’s trademark and subsequently demanding payment for the use of it.  It is therefore imperative for companies to register all trademarks, brand names (both English and Chinese), domain names and patents before entering the market.

Operating in China

The new franchise regulations passed in 2007 effectively abolished many restrictions and gray areas.  For the first time, foreign brands are not required to operate at least two stores within China before they can start to franchise. Currently, they just need to own two successful stores anywhere in the world.  Despite welcoming cross-border franchising policies, many franchisors still prefer to establish legal presence in China so as to maintain control and supervision over their franchisees.

Choice of cities for franchise expansion is as important as structuring an effective organization model.  With Tier 1 cities becoming increasingly expensive and saturated, many franchisors have explored the option of expanding in Tier 2 cities.    Ten cities, including key ones such as Shenzhen, Tianjin, Nanjing, Qingdao, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Xi’an, and Chongqing have been analyzed in JLJ’s study. In some of these cities, the population is already familiar with foreign brands but not spoilt with choices yet.  These cities offer excellent opportunities for new franchise entrants.

Franchising in China currently accounts for only 3% of total retail sales, compared to 40% in the US.  Undoubtedly, there is room for growth. However, several barriers such as difficulty in finding reliable franchisees as well as the desire to yield higher profits from the booming market have steered some foreign brands to opt for direct-run stores and partnerships instead of franchising. In all cases, significant amount of time, effort, and resources are necessary to sustain the franchise network. Foreign companies should research the market thoroughly and seek professional advice where necessary to facilitate the planning of a successful China expansion strategy.  

The JLJ Group is a one-stop service provider assisting foreign companies to enter and grow in China.  For more information, please visit www.jljgroup.com or email to consulting@jljgroup.com.

Chinese Business Culture for the Western Businessmen

Chinese business culture and etiquette
The Chinese business practice is vastly different from the Western method that most of us may be used to. Of course, with the Chinese economy opening up, China’s joining of WTO and the Olympics in 2008, many Chinese business practice are now beginning to align with more conventional methods.

However, China will always have their own unique business culture and etiquette, given their unique history and background.

“I was recently involved in a business meeting that went sour and threatened to scuttle a good deal. What happened was that the Chinese party recieving the American purchaser was late in reaching his hotel. The American was furious as he had a tight schedule and that they were late and threatened to withdraw his purchase.

The Chinese party was late because they were given a vague address of a lake-side hotel. You see, what happened was that the American gave his hotel as Lakeside hotel. Unfortunately, there were numerous hotels along the lake but the Chinese were too shy to enquire which lakeside hotel earlier because they were afraid the American would ‘lose face’ for having given a vague address. Instead, they spent the morning hopping from one lakeside hotel to another looking for this American gentleman.”

A simple cultural difference threatened to scuttle a perfectly good working relationship. To avoid similar cultural disasters, here are some tips on how you can conduct a more successful business in China.

The initial approach
Chinese business are mostly referrals; essentially a business relationship is struck based on another business associate recommendation. The best prices and deals often comes from a strong recommendation.

However, it is common today for cold calls and direct contacts, given the availability of the internet and the competitive nature of Chinese businesses. You may source from the internet, trade fairs, catalogues and brochures, advertisements and approach the Chinese companies directly through a call or email.

Alternatively, if you are seeking to invest in a factory in China, you can approach a investment committee or a business advisory directly. They will be able to advise you on your best location based on your industry, raw material and manpower needs. Please contact us directly if you have such a need and we’ll be glad to advise accordingly.

Relationship
Chinese business relationship inevitably becomes a social relationship after a while. Unlike Western business relationship which remains professional and perhaps, aloof, even after a long time, Chinese business relationship becomes a social one.

The more you share your personal life, including family, hobbies, political views, aspirations, the closer you are in your business relationship. Sometimes, a lot of time is spent discussing matters outside of business, but then a lot of time, the other party is also making up his mind about your deal based on how much he sees your personal relationship with him.

Seniority
Seniority is very important to the Chinese especially if you are dealing with a State owned or government body. Instead of addressing the other party as Mr or Mrs so and so, it is always appropriate to address the other party by his designation ie Chairman So and So, Director So and So or Manager So and So.

When giving out namecards or brochures, make sure you start with the most senior person before moving down the line. When giving out a namecard or recieving one, ensure that you are stretching out with both hands with the card. Remember to face the card you are giving out in a manner such that the recieving party gets it facing him correctly.

Giving Face
Giving face (aka giving due respect) is a very important concept in China. You must give the appropriate respect according to rank and seniority. For example, if you are buying gifts for an initial contact, make sure you buy better gifts for the senior managers instead of buying similar gifts across the board.

Similarly, sitting positions in a meeting room or a dining table is accorded accordingly to rank, importance and seniority. It is good to seek advice before embarking on your first meeting with Chinese business contacts to avoid making the wrong move.

Gifts and Presents
Unlike earlier days when China was very poor, gifts, especially of Western origin was especially appreciated. Today, China produces and imports almost anything imaginable and gifts are no longer a novelty.

However, gifts are always appreciated and especially in the smaller cities or towns, will continue to play an important part in your business relationship. Do note that if you are indeed giving gifts, make sure the senior people get a better gift or at least gifts perceived to have a higher value than their junior staff.

Similarly, expect to recieve gifts from the Chinese, especially Chinese art products. It is polite not to refuse, especially if it is not of too high a monetary value.

Lunch/Dinner
There is no business talk in China without at least one trip to a restaurant. Sometimes, a trip is made to the restaurant even before any business discussion take place! Inevitably, the restaurant will always be a grand one and you are likely to be hosted in a private room.

There is an elaborate seating arrangement for a Chinese business meal. There are fixed seating positions for the host and the guest and then they are seated again according to seniority. This is a very important aspect of a formal dinner and it is important that you follow the rules accordingly. However, it seems that the Northern Chinese are very particular to this formal seating arrangement while the Southern Chinese has loosen the formalities somewhat.

You may like to find out more from this very interesting China Book available at the website below.

Drinking with the Chinese
The Chinese are big drinkers especially in Northern and Western China. It does not matter if it is lunch or dinner; as long as a meal is being hosted, there will be alcohol.

Chinese wine is the favourite, followed by red wine and beer. Chinese wine is more like fuel than liquor, having a alcohol concentration as high as 60%! No matter how good a drinker you may think of yourself, never, ever challenge a Chinese into a drinking contest. They will win, hands down!

It is often seen as rude not to drink with the Chinese in a formal dinner. To maintain your sanity, either claim to be a non alcoholic or plead medical grounds as an excuse. This will let you off the hook with little or minimal drinks. Better yet, bring a partner who can drink on your behalf!

After Dinner Entertainment
Formal business dinner normally drags for quite sometime as there will be much social talk, some karoake, and drinking contests. Most of the time, everyone is too drunk to indulge in further entertainment after a dinner. In addition, if you are just new to this partnership, you are unlikely to be invited to further after dinner entertainment.

However, once you are familiar with them, you may be invited to a Karaoke, or a Night Club, or a Suana. Do note that if they are the host for the night, all bills will be picked up by them for the night, including all entertainment. It is impolite to fight for the bill or worst, split the bills.

Similarly, if you are the host for the night, you are expected to pick up all bills for the night.

Controversial Issues
There are some taboo areas in social conversations with the Chinese. Try to avoid these conversational topics as much as possible. I have seen many nasty arguements as a result of these topics:

1. You must not mention that Taiwan is an independent state or a country.
2. You must NEVER praise the Japanese or be seen to be good buddies with them
3. You can condemn Mao Tse Tung but avoid critising Deng Hsiao Ping
4. You must not praise Shanghai in front of natives of Beijing and similarly vice versa

Other than that, you are pretty safe to converse with the Chinese anything under the sun!

Recipes: Sweet and sour sauce

Sweet and sour sauce was the secret to getting my son to try new foods and vegetables at a very young age. He loved it, and by extension would eat anything I poured it over! Since we couldn’t afford to go out for Chinese food every night, sweet and sour sauce is fortunately very easy to make.

PREPARATION TIME: 5-7 minutes

YOU WILL NEED

A small pot

1 cup rice vinegar

1/3 cup soy sauce

2-6 tablespoons of brown or cane sugar to taste

1-2 tablespoons of corn starch or masa if desired

Pinapple chunks if desired

For best results do not substitute rice vinegar for other vinegars. You should be able to find rice vinegar in your grocery store or have them order it in for you.

Step one: Pour the vinegar, soy sauce and sugar into your pot and bring it to a boil.

Step two: After boiling, turn heat to medium and add corn starch or masa (a type of flour) if you like your sauce to be thicker. In Beijing, sweet and sour sauce was served thin like water. I think thicker sauce is a north american thing. Either is fine.

Step three: Throw in small pinapple chunks if you like your sweet and sour sauce with pinapple chunks. Some people prefer their chunks to be cold or room tempurature. If you fall into this category, wait until your sauce has cooled and then add the chunks.

Step four: Allow sauce to cool before serving or storing in the fridge for later use.

Mix the vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce together and bring to a boil in a small pot. Mix together the cornstarch and water, add to the other ingredients and stir to thicken.

Sydney Ranked 23rd in International Cost of Living Comparison

Sydney is the 23rd most expensive city in the world for expatriates to live in according to the findings of an international cost of living comparison of 228 international locations, conducted by the international relocation calculator, Xpatulator.com.

The Xpatulator.com international cost of living comparison uses the prices of goods and services that expatriates spend their salaries on in each location, and calculates cost of living indexes (COLI) for 13 different basket groups using New York as the base (i.e. New York is equal to 100).

The most expensive city in the world for expatriates is London with an overall COLI of 126.6. At the other end of the rankings, the least expensive city (for expatriates to live in) is Harare with an overall COLI of 16.4. This means that on average, goods and services that cost an expatriate US$100 in New York would cost US$126.6 in London, compared to just US$16.4 in Harare, and US101.73 in Sydney.

How Sydney Compares

For each aspect of cost of living, Sydney is ranked by Xpatulator.com as follows (Out of 228 international locations, ranked from highest cost of living to lowest cost of living):

•Alcohol & Tobacco (Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products): 29th

•Clothing (Clothing and Footwear Products): 116th

•Communication (Telephone, Internet, and Mobile Communication): 150th

•Education (Creche, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Fees): 13th

•Furniture and Appliances (Furniture, Household Equipment and Household Appliances): 94th

•Groceries (Food, Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cleaning Material): 44th

•Healthcare (General Healthcare, Medical and Medical Insurance): 11th

•Household (Rent, Mortgage, Water, Electricity, Household Gas, Household Fuels, Local Rates and Residential Taxes): 33rd

•Miscellaneous (Stationary, Linen, General Goods and Services): 112th

•Personal Care (Personal Care Products and Services): 7th

•Recreation & Culture (Books, Cinema, DVD, Sports Goods etc): 29th

•Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: 24th

•Transport (Public Transport, Vehicle Costs, Vehicle Fuel, Vehicle Insurance and Vehicle Maintenance): 41st

Relative to other parts of the world Sydney is relatively expense for personal care products and services, however Sydney has relatively cheap telephone, internet, and mobile phone communication.

Expatriate Pay Approaches

Cost of living information is used by organisations to establish salary levels for expatriates undertaking international assignments. How the cost of living information is used depends on the pay methodology adopted by the organisation. There are 3 mainstream approaches to establishing salary levels for international assignments, the salary build-up approach, the salary purchasing power approach, and the cost of living allowance approach.

Salary Build-Up Approach

The build-up approach uses the expatriate’s home salary as the starting point and then builds up the salary package for an international assignment. Typical elements added to the salary are for cost of living differences, hardship differences and exchange rate. Hardship is the relative difference in the quality of living a person and their family are likely to experience.

For example a person earning AUD$100 000 in Sydney taking up an assignment in London would have the following build-up:

Base Salary AUD$100 000 X COLI X Hardship Premium X Exchange Rate = Assignment Package in UK Pounds.

Using Xpatulator.com, a person earning AUD$100 000 in Sydney, would earn an assignment package of UK Pounds £58 447.

Salary Purchasing Power Approach

The Salary purchasing power approach seeks to achieve parity between international locations. What would be the equivalent of a salary in Sydney in other places in the world in terms of purchasing power? We compared purchasing power by comparing salary levels adjusted for cost of living differences, and relative hardship using Xpatulator.com.

A salary of USD$50 000 in Sydney Australia is equivalent to:

•USD$44 031 in Beijing

•USD$48 578 in Dubai

•USD$62 238 in London

•USD$46 142 in New Delhi

•USD$51 514 in Paris France

This means that an organisation with a head office in Sydney, and international offices in each of the above locations would pay a position that is paid USD$50 000 in Sydney, USD$62 238 in London and USD$44 031 in Beijing in order to achieve the same salary purchasing power in each location.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) Approach

Organisations that make use of Cost of Living Allowances (COLA) use cost of living information to determine how much COLA to pay for international assignments. A COLA is an allowance paid to an expatriate to ensure that they are compensated where the cost of living is higher than their home country. Where the cost of living is lower, most organisations do not adjust the salary downwards, they would simply not pay a COLA in such cases. Using the example of a person earning US$50 000 in Sydney sent on an international assignment to London, they would be paid a COLA as follows:

USD$62 238 in London less USD$50 000 in Sydney = USD$12 238 COLA in London

The COLA is paid in addition to the individual’s current salary, for the duration of the international assignment, and is typically reviewed on an annual basis, or when the COLI changes by more than 10%.

Guanxi. The First Word in Chinese Trade

A colleague once told me that a good indicator of economic confidence was the number of construction cranes on the skyline. If he’s correct, Beijing is feeling good about its prospects, very good in fact.

According to figures recently published by the Associated Press, China’s economy grew at a blistering 9.4 percent in the first three quarters of 2005 alone. Yet a pan-European business poll by parcel firm UPS revealed that almost a third (31 percent) of UK business leaders do not consider Asia to be an important trading or production market.

To ignore the headlines predicting the ‘awakening of the Dragon’ would be commercial suicide: the world economy is undergoing a revolution as a China-led Asia returns to its historic role at the centre of affairs, according to the Financial Times’ Martin Wolf.

Few of us receive emails in Chinese, but I saw one last year which translated into: “I’d like to spend a million pounds with your company”. A good excuse, I thought, to spend January in Beijing talking to business representative organizations and growing companies who want to trade with the west. There were things I know now which I didn’t know when I boarded my plane from London to Beijing to meet my Chinese contact which everyone wishing to do business in China should be aware of. Let me explain.

There were no berths available on the night train from Beijing to Xian (famous for its terracotta army but fast developing other industries) but we soon found ourselves settling down to sleep as one suddenly came available. A few days later we dined in a restaurant which was so busy that there was a queue for tables but strangely we had been directed past the queue into a private dining room.

Not long after my arrival in Beijing I’d mentioned a long standing back injury was troubling me after my flight. The next day I was ushered past the waiting patients to be x-rayed immediately by one of the City’s leading orthopedic surgeons. No money changed hands. The currency exchanged was based upon Guanxi (Pronounced “GWAN-shee”) which literally means “relationships”. In practice, “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”. The exchange of favors.

My host, a local businessman whose family has lived in the same area of Beijing for centuries, runs several successful restaurants. He has Guanxi in abundance and I have lost count of the number of times his standing has made things happen which would have been impossible without his network. If you trade with China, or would like to trade with China, underestimate Guanxi at your peril.

It works at all levels from social engagements through business and into officialdom. Western corporations often place great emphasis on efficiency and financial performance as a guide to whether or not to trade with other entities. In China, a much higher importance is put on personal relationships. You do not need to be big and powerful to forge successful business relationships with Chinese executives but you do need establish the personal contacts first.

My advice is not to rely on formal written communications but wherever possible to talk to prospective contacts on the phone (using an interpreter if required) and, if at all possible, arrange to meet in person as soon as you think you have a mutual interest in trading. Return flights from London to Beijing are around 400 UK and once there, accommodation is cheap.

Time spent getting to know your potential partners will pay dividends down the line. Unless your hosts speak English well, consider hiring a face-to-face interpreter to avoid confusion and help initial meetings run smoothly. Their local knowledge of the City will also be invaluable as Beijing is huge.

My time in China was extremely productive. London Translations Limited, has announced an agreement with Beijing Sagive Translations Company Limited, one of the most respected and experienced translation firms in China. This will provide a crucial language ‘bridge’ to enable trade between our two countries. Crucially they will provide an English to Chinese service and we will translate Chinese into English.

Incidentally, I never found out how exactly we managed to get seats on a fully booked train but my host did mention that the wife of a comedian whose show was being played on TV in our carriage works at the train company and the comedian himself regularly eats in his restaurants!

MEU INESQUECÍVEL TAXISTA CHINÊS

Eu estava participando de um congresso em Beijing – a famosa Pequim, capital da república Popular da China durante o quente e abafado verão do mês de Julho daquele país quando numa noite livre de compromissos, decidi sair sozinho e explorar a cidade e sua vida noturna, enfrentando um calor ao redor dos 36 graus. Uma das razões para aquela fuga do grupo era especialmente fugir da orgia gastronômica imposta pelos anfitriões chineses durante o jantar e também para praticar um pouco do meu enferrujado Mandarin.

Assim, munido de um pequeno guia da cidade, tomei o metrô em direção do centro da cidade. Foram 30 minutos do Centro de Convenções da Universidade Internacional da China local onde estava hospedado até a zona central dos restaurantes internacionais. Depois de perambular pela imensa avenida Xiang Ge Li Lá Fan Dian procurando por algum letreiro com caracteres ocidentais, já que meus modestos conhecimentos do Mandarim não incluíam o reconhecimento dos ideogramas (caracteres chineses que formam palavras). Finalmente um nome conhecido: “Peppino Restaurant” – era uma visível indicação de que no mínimo encontraria uma deliciosa massa sino-italiana. Guiado pelo instinto, adentrei o recinto e fui recebido com o inconfundível cheiro de orégão misturado aos aromas dos molhos italianos. Um grupo de garçons e garçonetes vestidos a caráter, a tal ponto que não fosse pelos olhos puxados da indisfarçavel origem oriental, eu diria que estrara numa típica cantina italiana numa Piazza di Roma. Minha fome era tanta que delirei quase ouvindo uma Traviatta. Comi uma pizza napolitana e para fazer jús ao país que tão bem me acolhera, pedi um bom vinho chinês feito de arroz, o conhecido Huangchuing. Saciado e com o estômago feliz, paguei a conta (em torno 80 yuan rembimbi – uns 10 dólares americanos e preparei-me para sair daquela gostosa atmosfera e voltar para meu seguro habitat na Universidade Internacional de Comunicação da China. Olhei no relógio e passavam das duas horas da manhã. Pensei em tomar outra vez o metrô que funciona 24 horas, mas decidi que era melhor tomar um táxi. Descobri que era uma tarefa tão difícil quanto em Nova York ou São Paulo em dia de chuva na hora ro rush. Parecia que em Pequim havia um rush de 24 horas. Finalmente consegui entrar num táxi que abriu a porta automaticamente e eu pulei no assento traseiro enquanto dizia o endereço para onde queria ir. Mal sabia que uma inesquecível aventura estava se iniciando ali dentro daquele táxi.

O taxista chinês endireitou o retrovisor para poder me olhar melhor e acelerou buzinando para entrar na avenida central apinhada de veículos. Em seguida ofereceu-me um maço de cigarros. Respondi polidamente que não fumava e agradeci. O taxista insistiu e ato contínuo tirou um cigarro e o acendeu para o meu total espanto. Os vidros do carro estavam fechados por causa do ar condicionado ligado. Mesmo que não fosse assim, não aceitaria ficar num veículo cheio de fumaça. O homem não se intimidou e soltou uma vigorosa baforada dentro do veículo por cima dos ombros atingindo-me em cheio no rosto. Quase entrei em pânico. “Kim, buxí… buxí..” (por favor, não fume… não fume..” disse eu tentando não aspirar a fumaça que encheu o veículo. O homem continuou sorrindo e agora deu uma tragada tão violenta no cigarro que pensei que iria engolir tudo até a brasa imensa que se formou na ponta. Provavelmente o homenzinho queria extrair o máximo do seu objeto de prazer antes de jogá-lo fora. Diante do minha cara feia, o taxista deu uma nova e rápida tragada e sorrindo apagou o cigarro no cinzeiro do carro. Ainda tive que abrir a janela do meu lado para fazer sair o insuportável cheiro de cigarro.

Ficamos em silêncio por algum tempo até que o mesmo foi quebrado pelo som estridente da buzina do meu táxi tentando ultrapassar outro veículo. Estávamos numa avenida com quatro pistas e o meu taxista queria ultrapassar os carros á sua frente de qualquer forma. Do lado esquerdo estavam ônibus e carros mais lentos, à frente um carro particular com um ocupante. Naquele momento, notei que iniciou-se uma verdadeira corrida de fórmula mil nas ruas de Pequim. Meu táxi tentava uma brecha ora pelo meio, ora pela pista da esquerda, ora pela pista de ciclistas, misturando-se a milhares de ciclistas que naquela hora da madrugada disparavam entre os carros e triciclos como se estivessem numa corrida louca por um grande prêmio. E o buzinaço vinha de todos os lados. Fechei os olhos e pude melhor captar os sons que vinham de centenas de veículos ao mesmo tempo. Era como se galos mecânicos estivessem despertando ao mesmo tempo no meio da madrugada e soltando seus cânticos monocórdicos, graves e agudos, longos ou curtos, breves ou insistentes. Nem Bach ou Beethoven sonhariam compor uma sinfonia com orquestra com tão bizarra. Abri os olhos para ter certeza de que não estava sonhando, mas deveria ter permanecido com os mesmos cerrados até o fim da viagem, pois estive a ponto de testemunhar uma série de atropelamentos de pedestres e ciclistas com seus rikixós (tipo de triciclo que transporta pessoas) por parte do meu taxista chinês. As buzinas não paravam por mais de vinte segundos e finalmente depois de inúmeras tentativas meu táxi consegui ultrapassar o motorista que ia à sua frente. Ao ultrapassar buzinou freneticamente. Olhei para o outro motorista e este parecia sorrir e sequer olhou para os lados. Eu esperava que depois de mais de dez minutos de insistentes buzinadas na sua traseira, ele pelo menos esboçasse um desagrado, dissesse um palavrão ou apontasse o famoso dedão numa clássica ofensa mundialmente conhecida. Mas nada disso aconteceu… ou melhor, só deu uma buzinada curta e uma longa. Nem o meu taxista parecia aborrecido e continuou buzinando para uns e outros.

Aos poucos fui me habituando ao festival de buzinas ao longo do meu trajeto. Fui observando que buzinar em Pequim era uma forma de comunicação entre os motoristas. O buzinês. Salvo engano, cheguei mesmo a catalogar alguns sons mais comuns e seus significados: Uma buzinada longa e insistente pode significar: “saia da frente seu retardatário”. Uma buzinada uma curta várias vezes pode significar: “tome cuidado, estou indo pela esquerda”; ou ainda, podem expressar opinião de um motorista. Ao passar por um carro muito velho, a buzinada é curta e rápida e pode dizer: “mas que carro velho é o seu!!” por outro lado o outro motorista pode responder com quatro buzinadas: duas curtas e duas longas respondendo à altura: “é velho, mas é meu e está pago… ehehehe.” E o que terá buzinado aquele motorista que foi ultrapassado por meu insistente taxista com uma buzinada curta e uma longa: provavelmente tenha dito: “deixa de ser apressado seu filho de uma coelha” (um palavrão com equivalência ao famigerado filho-de-uma-cadela para nós ocidentais). Era mesmo inacreditável aquele outro lado do mundo. Os motoristas buzinavam para ultrapassar, depois que ultrapassavam, quando ia dobrar à esquerda ou à direita, quando iam parar, provavelmente para orientar os transeuntes, para xingar, desabafar e mesmo para falarem consigo mesmos, pois foi o que aconteceu quando já estávamos percorrendo uma rua sem qualquer movimento e o meu taxista deu uma buzinada curta e breve. Deveria estar falando consigo mesmo alguma coisa que eu não fui capaz de decifrar.

Imaginação a parte, foi de fato a viagem mais insólita e incrível que já fiz no interior de um táxi. Ao parar na entrada da Universidade, paguei os 25 yuan ao motorista e quando este arrancou ouvi uma cusparada pela janela do carro e uma buzinada longa e duas curtas e uma meia buzinada. Aquela eu ainda não tinha ouvido. Deveria estar querendo dizer: “xié-xié” (obrigado em mandarim) ou quem sabe: “ufa! Fiquei livre daquele chato… agora posso fumar meu cigarrinho à vontade.” Ficarei no entanto com a primeira opção até que alguém me diga o contrário.

Travel and Tour Tips for China

China is a large country at a size of 9,596,960 sq km. China was only partially open to the world from 1980 onwards and has been a communist country for many decades. Although there is much progress in the travel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain areas that need to be improved before it can match the level that most tourist would require.

However, much of the fun remain that it is different from the rest of the world. China will be the host nation for the Olympics in Year 2008. Travel facilities and infrastructure will be improving quickly as we approach Year 2008.

China is rich in culture and history. Visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out 19th Century European buildings in Qingdao – there are just so much to do and see in China!

Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:

Entry Visa

China require entry visa from most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through your travel agent before travelling to China.

Climate

Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north. Be prepared with the right seasonal clothing.

Foreign Exchange

The unit of currency is known as Renmembi(RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency in the banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close for a noon siesta between 12-2pm.

Payment facilities

Most better class hotels and shopping centers take Credit Card or Travellers cherubs. Smaller hotels and shops take cash only. Once out of the bigger cities, credit card and ATM cards tend to be almost impossible to utilize. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade.

Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before accepting change, especially if it consists mostly 100RMB notes. You can feel a texture difference where counterfeit notes is concerned.

Understanding of English

Most civil servants, custom officials, police, hotel staff and men in the street do not speak English or at best a smattering of English.

Most signboards and notices will carry both English and Chinese. However, be aware that some translations can be so notorious that one can hardly understand what was its original Chinese intention.

Do not expect hotels or shops to understand English. Only the very big hotels will have staff that will understand English.

Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.

Social Security

China is generally a safe country. However, hang on tight to your wallet especially in crowded, popular tourist sites in tourist cities such as Beijing and Xian.

These tourist cities also has a lot of touts in the streets touting tourist from currency exchange to jewelleries to female companionships. Avoid at all cost!

Domestic Travel

Bus, train, ferries and domestic flights are quite well developed. Avoid the crowd at the stations and book your tickets through the hotel tour desk or the nearest tour agent. Prices are likely to be competitive and tickets will be delivered to your hotel room. Again, avoid ticket touts who approach you in the streets.

Local buses are cheap (US$0.10 or YS$0.20) and you may want to try out. Taxis are convenient and are available at all hours. Starting fares differ from each city and may be as cheap as US$0.70 in Weimar and US$1.50 in Shenzhen.

Avoid travel in China during peak holiday seasons or book tickets well ahead.

Local Hotels

There is a good choice of hotels in China ranging from one star to the most luxurious 6 stars. Most of the time, the rooms are safe and clean and in my opinion, cheap does not mean bad.

There are many websites selling China hotel rooms on the internet. You can also check out the travel counters which are available in most train, bus stations as well as airport.

Book ahead if travelling in peak seasons.

Peak Tourist Seasons

Chinese New Year: Date varies but generally late January or early February.

May Day: First two weeks of May

China National Day: Middle two weeks of October

Avoid travelling during these period. Book rooms and travel modes way early if need to travel. Believe me, the crowds during these period of time will be scary. What do you expect when the entire Chinese nation of 8 billion people are on holiday as well!

Chinese Food

Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try as much Chinese food as your wallet or stomach can afford. Restaurants are available everywhere and open to late hours. Most restaurants will have a menu that include photographs of the various dishes. Better yet, simply point at the food that your next door table is having, especially if it looks delicious!

However, avoid street side stalls and drinking directly from the taps if you have delicate stomach.

Telecommunications

Mobile phone coverage in China is good in most locations. Global auto-roaming within China is not a problem.

Internet

There are cyber-cafes everywhere in China, especially in tourist areas. Most are patronized by young people playing online games but you still can check your Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail. Access may be a bit slow for international websites.

You will need to show your passport as China has tight regulations at Internet Cyber Cafes.

Toilet facilities

One of the worst experience many has with China is the atrocious toilet facilities. Things has improved very much but it may still be a good idea to empty your stomach or bladder at every opportunity in a hotel, restaurant or departmental store. Public toilets and toilets in small shops can be a nose hazard!

* Useful China travel tips *

Try to get a English speaking tour guide at every opportunity you can. China has a rich and wonderful history and culture and without a guide, somehow, the flavor and significance of most tour sites can be lost.

*Sneaky tip: Hang around a group that has a English speaking guide if you cannot afford one!

Always ask for a receipt from a taxi driver so that you can complain if you have been cheated or for tracing purposes if you happen to leave your camera behind in the taxi.

Try to take the name card for each hotel that you are staying at as these cards will have a Chinese address and the map of your hotel location. This is useful if you need to seek assistance to find your way back as the English version or pronunciation of a hotel or a street name may be quite different from the Chinese version.

After a tiring day, check out Chinese foot reflexology or Chinese TuiNa (Chinese massage). Wonderful for the body after a hard day and very cheap to boot. Simply look out for shop signs that shows two feet! They are everywhere.

Make friends with the Chinese whenever you can. They love to meet foreigners and will make good tour guides. Just buy a small present as a small token of appreciation.

The Hottest Holidays of 2008

If you’re stuck for somewhere to spend your holiday this year, this brief guide may give you some ideas. It lists the top 10 ‘hottest’ destinations for the coming year.

Berlin. If partying is your thing, head to this international city. The lack of licensing laws and cheap cost of living makes it an alien, and highly enjoyable, atmosphere for us Brits. The techno scene is especially prevalent, and is home to the legendary Tresor Club.

If you’re a foodie, consider Istanbul. Fast becoming the food capital of the Near East, Istanbul offers food from cities such as Bulgaria, Mesopotamia and the Balkans. One restaurant chain also adapts local cuisines from Turkey, Armenia and Kurdistan, and uses rare herbs such as mallow and goosefoot.

For cheap holidays, Albania is the place to go. A beach hut on a gorgeous undiscovered coastline will only set you back 24 euros a night, and is ideal for backpackers. The Albanian countryside has tiny fishing villages, winding mountain roads and unspoiled forts – a treat for the more adventurous.

With the Olympic Games due to be held in Beijing this year, this Chinese city is extremely popular with sports fans all over the world. Even if the Games aren’t your thing, the Peking opera, many museums and shops, and of course the Great Wall of China will ensure you won’t be bored on your holidays in Beijing.

Family holidays are being dictated by what children are learning in school – and this means Egypt. Package holidays are available suitable for ages 6 and up and include tours in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea – all on various methods of transport ranging from a sleeper train to a camel.

Our own Liverpool gets a boost this year as it’s named the European Capital of Culture. Still in the UK, the Lake District has become popular with adventurers and thrill seekers due to the Via Ferrata (a series of metal ladders and steps driven into a cliff face) at the Honister Slate Mine.

Finally, for the music lovers, it can only be Seattle. Made famous by the grunge band Nirvana, Seattle was the grunge capital of the 90’s, and has recently experienced a come-back. It’s home to the record label Sub Pop, which has signed well-known bands such as Mudhoney, Nirvana and Soundgarden, and is still going strong with new acts found at Seattle’s local music festivals.

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