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How to Establish Business in China

Lili ZHANG

As one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world, China presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to expand their global reach. However, navigating the Chinese market can be complex and challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the cultural, legal, and business landscape.

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As one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world, China presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to expand their global reach. However, navigating the Chinese market can be complex and challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the cultural, legal, and business landscape.

Another important factor to consider when doing business in China is the legal and regulatory landscape. China has its own set of laws and regulations governing business activities, and it is important to understand and comply with these regulations to avoid legal and financial risks. This includes registering your business, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, and complying with tax laws and other regulations.

In this course, we will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to navigate these and other challenges when doing business in China. We will cover topics such as market research, cultural awareness and communication, legal and regulatory compliance, business strategy and planning, and more. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese market and the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and dynamic business environment.

Whether you are new to the Chinese market or have some experience doing business in China, this course will provide you with valuable insights and practical guidance to help you achieve your goals. We look forward to helping you succeed in the Chinese market and achieve your business objectives.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Introduction
  • Background: doing business in china
  • Benefits of starting a business in china
  • Challenges facing foreign businesses in china
  • What makes the chinese market so special
  • How to do a market research
  • Business environment of china
  • Cultural differences in china
  • Chinese consumer’s behavior
  • Technological advances in china
  • Investing in china’s free trade zones
  • Local accounting and tax policies and regulations
  • Local employment matters
  • Who can help you in china
  • Legal entities in china
  • Wholly owned foreign enterprise (wfoe)
  • China joint venture
  • Representative office (ro)
  • Foreign invested partnership enterprise (fipe)
  • Other options- using a hong kong entity
  • How to start your business in china
  • How to pick a business location
  • How to choose a legal structure
  • How to prepare all necessary documents
  • How to register your business & get license
  • How to open a bank account
  • How to create your business plan
  • How to fix your marketing strategy
  • Best strategies to enter the chinese market
  • How and where you can find your potential customers
  • Social media marketing
  • Best way to sell in china
  • How to set your distribution strategy
  • Case study- starbucks entry to china
  • How to grow your brand
  • How to translate your brand’s name into chinese
  • How to sell your brand to chinese
  • Build a strong reputation online
  • Generate your leads
  • Protect your brand in china
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Module 1 : Why Start a Business in China
Introduction
Lesson 1: Background of Doing Business in China
Lesson 2: Benefits of Starting a Business in China
Read more
Lesson 3: Challenges Facing Foreign Businesses in China
Lesson 4: What Makes the Chinese Market So Special
Lesson 5: Do a Market Research
Lesson 6: Remember These Rules
Quiz_Module 1
Module 2: Business Environment of China
Lesson 1: Cultural Differences in China
Lesson 2: Chinese Consumer’s Behavior
Lesson 3: Technological Advances in China
Lesson 4: Investing in China’s Free Trade Zones
Lesson 5: Local Accounting and Tax Policies and Regulations
Lesson 6: Local Employment Matters
Lesson 7: Who Can Help You in China?
Quiz - Module 2
Module-03: Legal Entities in China
Lesson 1: Wholly owned Foreign Enterprise (WFOE)
Lesson 2: China Joint Venture
Lesson 3: Representative Office (RO)
Lesson-4: Foreign Invested Partnership Enterprise (FIPE)
Lesson-5: Other Options- Using a Hong Kong Entity
Quiz - Module 3
Module-04: Start Your Business in China
Lesson-1: Pick a Business Location
Lesson-2: Choose a Legal Structure
Lesson-3: Prepare All Necessary Documents
Lesson-4: Register Your Business & Get License
Lesson-5: Open a Bank Account
Lesson-6: Create Your Business Plan
Quiz - Module 4
Module 05: Fix Your Marketing Strategy
Lesson-1: Best Strategies to Enter the Chinese Market
Lesson-2: How and Where You Can Find Your Potential Customers
Lesson-3: Social Media Marketing
Lesson-4: Best Way to Sell in China
Lesson-5: Set Your Distribution Strategy
Lesson-6: Case Study- Starbucks Entry to China
Quiz - Module 5
Module 06: Grow Your Brand
Lesson-1: Translate Your Brand’s Name into Chinese
Lesson-2: How to Sell Your Brand to Chinese
Lesson-3: Build a Strong Reputation Online
Lesson-4: Generate Your Leads
Lesson 5: Protect Your Brand in China
Lesson 6: Case Study- Lancôme Establish Their Brand in China
Quiz - Module 6
Conclusion

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Establish Business in China with these activities:
Reading: 'Doing Business in China For Dummies'
Gain a foundational understanding of the Chinese business environment before starting the course.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Doing Business in China For Dummies'.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to market entry and cultural awareness.
  • Take notes on key concepts and challenges discussed in the book.
Review Basic Accounting Principles
Strengthen your understanding of accounting principles to better grasp the financial aspects of establishing a business in China.
Browse courses on International Financial Reporting Standards
Show steps
  • Review your previous accounting coursework or textbooks.
  • Focus on topics such as financial statements, balance sheets, and income statements.
  • Complete practice problems to reinforce your understanding.
Compile a List of Essential Business Resources
Create a resource list to help you navigate the Chinese business landscape.
Show steps
  • Research online resources, government websites, and industry publications related to doing business in China.
  • Categorize the resources based on topics such as legal, financial, and marketing.
  • Write a brief description of each resource and its relevance to your business goals.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Preliminary Market Entry Plan
Apply course concepts by creating a market entry plan for a hypothetical business in China.
Show steps
  • Choose a product or service to introduce to the Chinese market.
  • Conduct market research to identify potential customers and competitors.
  • Develop a marketing strategy tailored to the Chinese market.
  • Outline the legal and regulatory requirements for establishing your business.
Write a Blog Post on Chinese Consumer Behavior
Deepen your understanding of Chinese consumer behavior by writing a blog post summarizing key trends and insights.
Show steps
  • Research Chinese consumer behavior trends and preferences.
  • Identify key cultural factors that influence purchasing decisions.
  • Write a blog post summarizing your findings and providing actionable insights for businesses.
Reading: 'Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built'
Learn from the success story of Alibaba and gain insights into the Chinese e-commerce market.
View Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built'.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to market entry and growth strategies.
  • Analyze the key factors that contributed to Alibaba's success in China.
Attend a China-focused Business Webinar
Connect with other professionals and learn about current trends in the Chinese market.
Show steps
  • Search for online webinars or virtual events focused on doing business in China.
  • Register for an event that aligns with your interests and business goals.
  • Attend the webinar and take notes on key insights and takeaways.
  • Connect with other attendees through online networking platforms.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Establish Business in China will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
International Business Consultant
An International Business Consultant advises companies on expanding into foreign markets, and success in this role requires a strong understanding of cultural nuances, legal frameworks, and business practices. This course helps consultants navigate the Chinese market effectively by providing insights into Chinese consumer behavior, cultural differences, and technological advancements. The legal and regulatory landscape of China covered in the course is indispensable for consultants to guide businesses in establishing operations while mitigating potential legal and financial risks. Furthermore, the course's focus on market research and effective marketing strategies equips consultants with the practical knowledge needed to help businesses thrive in China. The course will provide a consultant with specific knowledge of China.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Consultant
Market Entry Specialist
A Market Entry Specialist guides businesses through the process of entering new markets whether by exporting, foreign direct investment, franchising or other means. This course provides a solid foundation for professionals aiming to specialize in the Chinese market. With its comprehensive coverage of topics such as market research, cultural awareness, and legal compliance, this course helps specialists develop effective entry strategies. The sections on choosing a legal structure and navigating local regulations would be especially valuable, as they directly address the practical challenges of establishing a business presence in China. A market entry specialist benefits from understanding the unique aspects of the Chinese market.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Entry Specialist
International Marketing Manager
An International Marketing Manager develops and implements marketing strategies for businesses operating in global markets. For those focused on the Chinese market, this course helps marketing managers to craft effective campaigns tailored to Chinese consumers. The course covers key aspects of the Chinese market, including social media marketing, distribution strategies, and brand localization. The ability to translate a brand's name into Chinese and build a strong online reputation are critical skills covered in the course that directly contribute to success in this role. By understanding the nuances of the Chinese market, a marketing manager can maximize their impact.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Marketing Manager
Cross-Cultural Trainer
A Cross Cultural Trainer prepares individuals and teams to work effectively in diverse cultural environments. In this role, deep understanding of China’s unique cultural landscape is essential. This course helps trainers equip their clients with the knowledge and skills to navigate cross-cultural interactions in China successfully. The course's emphasis on cultural awareness and communication styles provides a strong foundation for developing targeted training programs. Sections of the course that address Chinese consumer behavior and business etiquette are particularly relevant for trainers who want to help businesses succeed in the Chinese market. The course will ensure that a cultural trainer is well equipped to handle the topic of business in China.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cross-Cultural Trainer
Localization Manager
A Localization Manager adapts products and services to suit the language, culture, and regulations of a specific target market. For companies expanding into China, localization is critical for success. This course may equip managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively localize their products, marketing materials, and customer service for the Chinese market. The section on translating your brand’s name will be very useful. Localization managers will be better able to perform their job.
See salaries and explore the career path for Localization Manager
International Trade Lawyer
An International Trade Lawyer advises clients on legal issues related to international trade and investment. China's unique legal and regulatory landscape requires specialized expertise. This course may be particularly useful for lawyers seeking to advise businesses on establishing operations, complying with regulations, and resolving disputes in China. The course's focus on Chinese laws, legal structures, and regulatory compliance helps lawyers to provide informed counsel. Lawyers with background knowledge of China will stand out among the crowd.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Trade Lawyer
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies and pursues new business opportunities, and this often includes expanding into international markets. This course may be useful for managers looking to tap into the Chinese market, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. With insights into market research, legal compliance, and business strategy, this course provides a solid foundation for developing successful business development plans for China. The course also helps managers understand how to navigate challenges facing foreign businesses, allowing them to approach opportunities with confidence and strategic foresight. A business development manager will find ways to apply the knowledge they learned.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager
Export Manager
An Export Manager oversees the process of selling goods and services to foreign countries. Given China's significant role in global trade, understanding the Chinese market is crucial for any export manager. This course may be useful by providing insights into the Chinese business environment, including regulations, consumer behavior, and cultural differences. The course's emphasis on legal compliance and market entry strategies equips managers with essential knowledge for navigating the complexities of exporting to China. The course is a great introduction to the nuances of conducting trade with China.
See salaries and explore the career path for Export Manager
Import Manager
An Import Manager is responsible for sourcing and importing goods from foreign countries. As China is a major exporter globally, expertise in Chinese business practices is highly valuable. This course may provide a solid understanding of the Chinese business landscape, including cultural nuances and market dynamics. The course's coverage of legal and tax policies can equip import managers with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of importing from China. An import manager who understands the Chinese business landscape will have better trade outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Import Manager
Trade Compliance Manager
A Trade Compliance Manager ensures that a company's import and export activities comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Given the complexities of Chinese trade regulations, this role may be useful for those focused on trade with China. This course may equip managers with a strong understanding of the Chinese legal and regulatory landscape. The course's emphasis on avoiding legal and financial risks is directly relevant to the responsibilities of a trade compliance manager. Trade compliance is of utmost importance when conducting international business.
See salaries and explore the career path for Trade Compliance Manager
Supply Chain Analyst
A Supply Chain Analyst optimizes the flow of goods and information across the supply chain. As many supply chains involve Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, understanding the Chinese market is essential. This course may offer valuable insights into the Chinese business environment, helping analysts to make informed decisions about sourcing, logistics, and risk management. The course can also help them understand the technological and economic factors that impact supply chains in China. A supply chain analyst armed with this knowledge can help to better run an international business.
See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies and analyzes business needs to recommend solutions. When a company considers expanding into the Chinese market, a business analyst may play a key role in evaluating the opportunity. This course may help them to understand the market dynamics, regulatory environment, and cultural factors that could impact the business. By taking this course, a business analyst will be better equipped to conduct a thorough and informed analysis of business opportunities in China. The course provides a solid foundation for anyone tasked with assessing the viability of entering the Chinese market.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Global Sourcing Manager
A Global Sourcing Manager identifies and selects suppliers from around the world. China is a major hub for manufacturing and sourcing. This course may provide global sourcing managers with essential knowledge about the Chinese market including its unique challenges and opportunities. The course may help source managers better assess potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supply chain risks in China. Global sourcing managers must know China due to its importance to the global economy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Global Sourcing Manager
Government Relations Specialist
A Government Relations Specialist builds and maintains relationships with government officials to advocate for an organization's interests. For companies operating in China, navigating the government landscape is crucial. This course may help specialists understand the regulatory environment, political dynamics, and cultural nuances that shape government interactions in China. The course can also provide insights into building trust and fostering positive relationships with Chinese government stakeholders. Specialists are better equipped if they have background knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Government Relations Specialist
Foreign Service Officer
A Foreign Service Officer promotes U.S. interests abroad through diplomatic and consular work. For those serving in China, a deep understanding of the Chinese market, culture, and political landscape is essential. This course may offer valuable insights into these areas, helping officers to engage effectively with Chinese counterparts. The course will provide a foundational understanding of Chinese business practices and cultural norms. Officers who understand these nuances are better equipped to conduct their duties.
See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Establish Business in China.
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Provides a broad overview of the Chinese business landscape, covering essential topics like cultural nuances, legal frameworks, and market entry strategies. It's particularly helpful for beginners seeking a foundational understanding before diving into more specialized areas. The book is valuable as an introductory text and a quick reference guide for common business practices in China. It is commonly used by individuals and small businesses looking to explore the Chinese market.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Alibaba
Save
Offers an in-depth look at the rise of Alibaba and its impact on the Chinese e-commerce landscape. It provides valuable insights into the strategies and challenges faced by one of China's most successful companies. This book is more valuable as additional reading to understand the dynamics of the Chinese market. It is commonly referenced by business analysts and entrepreneurs interested in the Chinese tech industry.
Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built
Paperback
$
(Português) Alibaba, a gigante do comércio eletrônico: O...
Kindle Edition
$
(Italiano) Alibaba: La storia di Jack Ma e dell'azienda che ha...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
1.5 total hours
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Instructor
Lili ZHANG
Language
English
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