China Now Commentary: (Canton) Fair Go
One New Zealander was at the first Canton Fair in 1957. This was in an era, when any travel to or in China was hazardous, “gweilo” (foreigners) were scarcely encouraged to visit and most western Governments were underwhelmed by the prospect of their citizens wanting to trade with China. Fifty years later,...
Global Megatrends: The accelerating shift of power from ...
An era of uncertainty The world is changing more rapidly than ever. Globalization continues its march. Gaps in power between developed and emerging countries continue to narrow, driven in part by the politics and economics of energy. The financial landscape is in turmoil, driving increased regulation. Aging populations...
NZCTA Commentary: Taming the Dragon not slaying it!
The Awards have been presented, the winners have celebrated and the dust at SkyCity is presumably settling. Our heartiest congratulations to Teknatool International, who took out the Cathay Pacific NZCTA Supreme Award, hearty congratulations to the other winners, Absolute Foods, Zespri and BioVittoria, congratulations to...
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 hails from China
43 entrepreneurs recently gathered in Monte Carlo, all competing to be crowned the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2009. Every one of these participants had earned the right to be at this world-class event by wining the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur title in their home countries. This included Michael and...
A "heart and home" for NZ business in Shanghai
For New Zealand companies expanding or beginning their business in China, there is now an exclusive, convenient, New Zealand-branded facility in Shanghai to support your presence in China. New Zealand Central, NZTE’s concept centre in Shanghai, was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key in April. Over 180...
China is on a mission to reinvigorate its economy
For those operating in China, the challenge is to ensure you are maximising the benefits available. The four trillion yuan stimulus package introduced in November sounded impressive. While some of this may be attributed to exchange rates and the size of the economy, it still converts to US $586 billion. The focus of...
NZCTA Commentary: Taming the dragon - no one right way to ...
Michael Bennetts, experienced China hand was the speaker at our well attended breakfast event in association with Gold sponsors, HSBC last month. In his extensive time in China, he had access to and relationships with officials across the board, from large multi-national corporations to smaller domestic companies, both public...
Employing Local Personnel in China
The employment of staff is a fundamental issue that all companies entering China need to be familiar with. China-based business consultants, JLJ Group, address some of the key issues companies face when employing staff in China. What rules and regulations apply for the setting up of a labor contract? How do employees and...
Lessons from the front lines: Developing a business in China
Mike Bennetts, a Kiwi veteran of doing business in Asia, shares some real world lessons for developing a business in China. Fuelled by the global financial crisis, a recently signed free trade agreement and a substantial Chinese economic stimulus package, many NZ businesses are facing a plethora of threats and...
Opening the Chinese puzzle box
Overseas investors on their second and third experiences of doing transactions in China are discovering new layers in the puzzle box of Chinese negotiations. The Ernst & Young China Business Group, reveals some of the secrets to opening the box. In 2007, just three out of every ten1 Chinese transactions came to...
China promises much for New Zealand exporters
Financial crises are times of rapid change. The 1997 – 1998 Asian financial crisis and the policies that ensued transformed many countries in East and Southeast Asia. Analysts feared at the time that China would be forced to devalue its currency and thus deepen the crisis. Even though China’s economy did suffer...
Guangzhou and Auckland: 20 years on partnership continues ...
An international partnership formed with insight 20 years ago through Auckland City Council has paved the way for an enduring trade connection between two leading cities. Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, the powerhouse for China’s manufacturing, became Auckland’s sister city in 1989. The results of...