To ensure your trip to China is productive and not a waste of time and money, it's crucial to prepare thoroughly in advance. In this article, we will outline the key steps for successfully organizing a business trip to China.
Plan Your Trip Around Trade Shows
If your trip to China is not urgent, it’s advisable to schedule it around major trade shows. Contact your current partners to find out which exhibitions they plan to attend, and arrange your visit so that you can meet them and get acquainted with new companies.
If you need a visa urgently, contact a representative of the Chinese consulate. During the meeting, provide detailed information about your company, planned investments in China, and the purpose of your trip. If there is no such representative in your region, consider reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce for expedited visa processing.
Plan for a 10-Day Trip or Longer
The optimal duration for a business trip to China is at least 10 days. This time will allow you to explore local markets, assess their potential, and discover new export opportunities. Specialized markets like those in Yiwu and Guangzhou offer a wide range of products for your business and contacts with reliable suppliers.
Don’t try to cover too much in one day—visiting one or two suppliers a day is sufficient. On average, it takes about two hours to get acquainted with a factory. Plan your trip so that you have enough time for each visit.
Organize Your Itinerary in Advance
It’s important to have someone with you who has lived in China for a long time and is familiar with the country. Identify all the places you want to visit in advance to avoid wasting time once you're there. For distances up to 1,000 kilometers in China, it’s best to travel by high-speed trains—they are more convenient and faster than planes for such distances. Renting a car is also an option for short trips between factories. If you plan to drive yourself, you can obtain temporary driver’s licenses valid for the duration of your business visa.
At first glance, it seems faster to fly from Shanghai to Beijing, as the flight takes only 2 hours, while the train takes 5 hours. However, in practice, this is not the case: you need to add at least 2 hours for travel to the airport, which is far outside the city, as well as for check-in and transfer from the airport in Beijing. As a result, the flight may take about 7 hours in total, whereas the train journey takes you directly from city center to city center.
For short-distance trips, renting a car can be convenient for visiting factories. If you plan to drive yourself, you can obtain temporary driver's licenses valid for the duration of your business visa. When renting a car, a deposit is required: about 2,000 yuan for possible fines, which will be frozen for a month, and 3,000 yuan for the car itself, which will be returned immediately after the car is returned.
Ensure You Have Cash on Hand
Cash is an important aspect of preparing for a trip to China. Even if you have a UnionPay card, it is recommended to carry 1,000-2,000 yuan per person in cash. This money can be purchased at any Russian bank. Many Chinese hotels require a cash deposit, and there can be difficulties with returning the deposit to your card, so cash will be a more convenient option.
Choose Experienced Interpreters
The interpreter plays a key role in the success of your negotiations. Choose professionals with relevant education and experience in your industry. The interpreter should not only be proficient in the language but also understand the nuances of Chinese business etiquette and culture. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and achieve your goals in negotiations.
Prepare Thoroughly for Negotiations
Preparation for negotiations is key to success. Write down your questions, plan your strategy, and define the goals you want to achieve. Even if you are confident in your interpreter, discuss all the details with them and rehearse the negotiations. This will help you feel confident and achieve better terms.
First impressions are very important in China, so make sure your appearance aligns with a business style. Your clothing can influence how Chinese partners perceive you, which in turn can lead to better cooperation conditions.
In conclusion, a successful business trip to China requires careful preparation, from choosing the right time for the trip to organizing meetings and hiring an interpreter. These steps will help you make the most of your time and resources in China.
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