Had an interesting discussion the other day with two international entrepreneur clients on global prejudices. Both told me of how they “take advantage” of it by hiring women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities in countries where other businesses are reluctant to hire these people. And let’s face it, these prejudices exist, at
China is virtually the sole supplier of rare earths to the world and it is heading towards that same position for polysilicon. The reasons are almost exclusively related to the peculiar way primary industry operates in China. What is occurring is an exchange with few benefits to either side. There are two areas of dispute
David Wolf at The Silicon Hutong blog just came out with a superb post riffing on the meaning of guanxi. The post A Few Notes on Guanxi [Link no longer exists] more accurately and concisely defines guanxi than anything I’ve seen. It is so good and so important, I feel I have no choice but
Our clients are always talking about where to invest in Asia, even more so in light of recent concerns about China no longer being a preferred destination for foreign investment. I have argued consistently that China is one of the best places for foreign investment in Asia. The World Economic Forum’s most recent Global Competitiveness
Understanding Letters of Credit Avoiding Pitfalls in International Transactions Letters of credit are complex financial tools that can be risky if not properly understood. This post will explain what letters of credit are, delve into potential complications, and provide advice to avoid risks when using them for international transactions. A Cautionary Letter of Credit Tale
As China moves from “factory to the world” to a growth engine for the world, the number of foreign businesses wanting to sell into and within China is rapidly increasing. These days, product companies that contact our law firm are just as likely to ask about selling their product in China as to ask how
China is watching you. I am convinced about 99.99% of all emails go through. But for me, that means at least a few of the emails I send each week will not reach their destination. If I do not hear back from someone quickly, I assume they did not get my email and I send
If one of our clients owes money to a Chinese company and it cannot pay all its creditors, our international dispute resolution lawyers recommend they pay the Chinese company last because the Chinese company will likely never sue to recover. I am NOT advocating not paying debts to Chinese creditors, but I am saying that
The internet is abuzz with news that Chris Devonshire-Ellis of China Briefing may have influenced movement in the Yuan-Dollar conversion rate by what is being described by Chinese governmental authorities as a “pure fabrication.” To summarize, China Briefing Magazine did a post claiming to have interviewed a Chinese governmental official who talked of the Yuan
The Rules for China Toasting Though I am a complete lightweight as a drinker (I average maybe one alcoholic drink a month), I consider myself somewhat of a master of foreign business toasting. I have participated in well over a hundred toasting sessions with Chinese, Koreans, Thais, Turks, Mexicans, Spaniards, French and Russians, and the
