Behind the China Kaleidoscope

With China's business environment changing as rapidly as the country is developing, large and small companies alike rely heavily on information to identify effective ways to access the market. "Behind the China Kaleidoscope" does not only provide an insider's view of China's distinctive business methods. By integrating the findings of the Swiss-China Survey with first-hand information from industry experts - along with practical scenarios from Swiss companies' accounts of their experiences - this guide is also a comprehensive roadmap to a strategic and successful market approach.

The results of the Swiss-China Survey are the basis for the entirety of this book. The survey's scope includes: reasons for entering the market, success factors for Swiss subsidiaries, intellectual property management, costs, human resources management and subsidiary management, amongst others. The book presents in-depth information from a representative sample of Swiss companies in China and Switzerland.

The respondents concur that understanding Chinese cultural traits forms the underlying foundation to an effective grasp of local business methods. Hence, this guide discusses in detail the Chinese customs that are unfamiliar, if not peculiar, to Westerners, as well as the psyche of the emerging middle class Chinese consumers. An analysis of the different characteristics of the country's key economic regions also brings to light the complexities and specific regional trends revealed by Swiss businesses all over the country.

"Behind the China Kaleidoscope" sets the course for a successful entry into China by detailing the processes: from research to planning and preparation, and from establishing a concept to defining entry strategies. Analysis of the key findings on opportunities, risks, difficulties, success factors as well as reasons for doing business, choice of legal form, choice of business partners and locations by Swiss firms offers an insightful assessment of the major business activities that include selling/exporting, production and sourcing/purchasing. All these elements are further exemplified through the accounts of 11 successful Swiss companies in a range of industries about their specific experiences in entering, setting up and operating in the market.

This helpful guide offers more than just a single perspective on China. True to its title, “Behind the China Kaleidoscope” delves deeply into the multiple aspects that make China a complex yet highly-rewarding market for small and medium businesses that are gearing towards global expansion, as well as those that are already active in China.

For a detailed table of contents and information on how to order your copy of "Behind the China Kaleidoscope", please visit www.chinaguide.ch.