Doing Business with China: Conference Report

The School of Management at the University of St Andrews recently held a very successful one day conference on the theme of "Doing Business with China". The conference, which was supported by The Scottish Government, the Confucius Institute for Scotland, China Now in Scotland, and the School of Management, provided information, insights and opportunities for those wishing to know about, embark upon or consolidate business links with China.

Business people from across Scotland gathered in St Andrews to hear a variety of contributions organised around four themes:

The Academic Perspective

This strand offered presentations by leading academics on topics such as joint ventures with Chinese businesses, cross-cultural issues, and employment matters.

The Practitioners' Perspective

Business people, entrepreneurs and experts on China presented a number of case-studies, drawn from both the public and private sectors, of business ventures with China.

The Insiders' Perspective

Chinese people with experience of business in China offered their own perspectives and advice on how to develop business initiatives in China.

Information and Useful Contacts

Participants also heard contributions from the China-Britain Business Council and Scottish Development International, offering useful information on the support available for business development in China.

The day ended with a very fruitful plenary discussion covering:

• the value for businesses of employing Chinese nationals, who understand Western approaches needs and standards, on UK salary levels;
• the importance of employing an independent translator whilst in China.
• the need for targeted workshops on specific issues such as negotiating in China and simulations, business games or role plays;
• the need for additional useful resources such as an electronic portal through which companies could post queries/ job opportunities / consultancy requests to be accessed by interested parties in China, or - a bulletin board for businesses to share experiences and advice;
• the need to use Scottish and Chinese media to greater effect to promote China-Scotland links
• the need to involve Chinese students in Scotland to help local businesses to develop their links with China. This resource seems to be underutilised at present.

Conference programme: Doing Business with China (PDF, 69 KB)