How to do Business Travel in China

Intro:  Consider the growing economic status of China.  There is a need for American businessmen to do business in China.  Given the difference is language, customs, and time zones, it can be difficult to make travel arrangements in a foreign country

This article is one in a continuing series of business models that might be tried in China.  Given that US unemployment is still high and that business is still booming in China, it behooves us to think of ways to make money in China.

Step 1:  There are at least three ways to create a business that would handle business travel arrangements to China.  Form a US hub.  Form a Chinese hub.  Form hubs on both ends.  As with all things Sino-American, it would be best to have a bilingual MBA on board.  Someone who is fluent in both Mandarin and English and who has done business in both nations is the best of all possible worlds.  It would be best to have someone who has business contacts in the United States and China.

Step 2:  The advantages of having a Chinese speaker at an America hub is accessiblity.  Their time zone is your time zone.  If they are living in the US then they are familiar with US customs and business practices because they deal with them on a daily basis.  You turn over your travel needs to them and let them make the arrangemens.

Step 3:  Despite the differenced in time zones, business practices and customs, it can be argued that having the hub in China is a better deal.  If you have an English speaker in China making your travel arrangments they could in addition provide interpreters and business contacts.  You might actually get something more for your money than an expensive plane ticket or or a pricey hotel room.

Step 4:  You could have hubs on both ends.  Certainly you now have all the conveniences with a hub on either end.  The problem as a customer is that you have to pay coming and going.

There will be a need for liasons to help out in business travel to any foreign destination where the economy is still good.  China is a prime choice because after all, the only thing keeping the American government afloat is the money they are borrowing from China.

China Import and Export

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