Research & Analysis

by Christopher F. Corr and Jason T. Hungerford Two US Department of Commerce programs encourage exports to China but also add red tape for both sides.  US exports to China have risen rapidly in recent years, totaling $69.7 billion in 2008, up nearly 30 percent from 2006. As demand fell during the global economic slowdown, […]

China’s approach to standards and conformance can create significant challenges for US companies doing business in China.by Elise OwenA recent string of high-profile standards-related events in China has focused attention on the importance of standards to global trade—and on the ability of US companies to enter and compete in the Chinese market. Recent “hot issues” […]

Though China’s pool of scientific talent has expanded in recent years, the country must now focus on raising the pool’s quality and using it effectively.by Denis Fred Simon and Cong Cao Intense international competition and an increased emphasis on innovation as the key to economic and technological leadership has made talent—and its availability, quality, and […]

To ensure the long-term success of their business in China, companies must learn how to identify and develop high-potential individuals among local staff.by William C. ByhamMost multinational corporations (MNCs) do not have enough local leaders to manage their growing businesses in China. The shortage of good leaders means that CEOs and executives are overstretched. Ideas […]

After spending the past eight years in the Washington, DC, office of the US-China Business Council (USCBC), I recently relocated to Shanghai to become the new chief representative of USCBC’s Shanghai office. Having worked with the US-based representatives of USCBC member companies, I find it interesting to work on similar issues with their Shanghai-based colleagues, […]

Recent declines in foreign direct investment into China have prompted the PRC Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and other PRC agencies to announce new efforts that encourage private investment, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and loosen some foreign-investment restrictions. PRC Minister of Commerce Chen Deming announced several planned changes to China’s foreign-investment policies at […]

US-China Business Council (USCBC) President John Frisbie visited China during the week of September 21 and met with senior PRC officials in Beijing and Shanghai to raise several advocacy points on behalf of USCBC member companies. Frisbie also met with roughly 50 member-company executives to hear their views on the current business environment in China […]

Companies responding to USCBC’s 2009 membership survey remain optimistic about China despite the economic recession’s sting.by US-China Business Council staffEach year, the US-China Business Council (USCBC) surveys its members on their views of their priorities when doing business with China. The results provide a useful update on business and investment conditions and form the basis […]

Foreign companies should compare local policy incentives to choose the best site for their regional headquarters in China.by James Yong Wang and Tony ZhangChina’s major cities have been competing to attract regional headquarters (RHQs) since the late 1990s. In 1999, Beijing was the first city to issue provisions that encouraged foreign-invested investment companies (FIICs) approved […]

Companies should understand consolidation trends in China to better handle changes within their industries and take advantage of investment opportunities.by Seth Harlem and Ron SchrammConsolidation within industries will be a central theme in China’s efforts to restructure its industries and promote industrial modernization in the coming years. The significance of consolidation for China and why […]