Doing Business in China Guide

China Overview

The Chinese economy has grown at just under 10 per cent a year for 32 years, overtaking Japan in 2010 to become the world’s 2nd largest economy. According to the OECD, China is projected to overtake the US in 2016 (in PPP terms).

While many of the world’s major economies are still struggling to recover from economic contraction, China’s economy grew by 9.2 per cent in 2011, down from 10.3 per cent in 2010, and this economic slowdown continued in 2012, to around 8.2 per cent. This is partly due to suppressed demand in China’s largest export markets (Europe, USA) but also to tightening of monetary policy in late 2011. The Chinese government has subsequently now begun loosening monetary policy and has launched a major investment programme to ensure growth does not slip below the official “target rate” of 7.5 per cent.

There are significant changes in China’s growth strategy. Traditionally, China has provided low-cost manufacturing solutions for the global market, but exports declined sharply after the global downturn and China’s manufacturing industry has responded by quickly moving up the value chain.

The Chinese Government is pressing hard to improve infrastructure and social welfare as well as targeting resources to develop China’s vast rural and interior regions, aiming to unleash domestic consumption among the wider population. Industrial structures are shifting inland with dozens of new cities emerging and coastal areas developing into sophisticated urban clusters.

Seizing opportunities
While the rise of China is easy to acknowledge, businesses constantly need to catch up with the speed and depth of change and development in China’s large and complex market space.

Whether selling, trading, investing or franchising, China offers opportunities in abundance to UK companies, large or small.

About This Guide

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in China Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about China; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues. We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters to China in particular will find it a useful starting point. 

To help your business succeed in China we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’ Click Here

The guide is available in 4 formats;

• this Website

• a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ App - Available to download from the iTunes App Store or Click Here to download

• a full colour hard-copy Brochure (to order your copy please Click Here)

• PDF Download (Click Here to download)

Our Partners

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British Government Department that can help you achieve your international business potential. UKTI combine the national resources of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) global network of Trade Development Staff in British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions, to help you successfully win business overseas.

For more information on UKTI Click Here 

UKTI Video

The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is the leading organisation helping UK companies grow and develop their business with China.

CBBC supports British companies of all sizes and at every stage of market entry with practical in-market assistance, industry initiatives and a membership programme offering support, access and significant networking opportunities. CBBC works closely with UK Trade & Investment and has a strategic partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Beijing. 

For more information on CBBC Click Here