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Guanxi

La Hora de Beijin

Introducing Yourself

Doing Business in China

Dress Code

lunes, 16 de junio de 2008

Business Entertaining - C


· Business lunches have become more popular, but you will probably be treated to at least one business banquet. You should always return the favor.
· Banquets at restaurants can be ordered in varying degrees of extravagance. Be sure to reciprocate at the same price per person as your Chinese spent at tour banquet; never surpass your host in the degree of banquet lavishness.
· Most banquets start between 06:30 and 07:00 P.M. and last for about two hours. You should arrive about 30 minutes before your guests; they will arrive on time.
· If you are the guest, always arrive promptly or even a little early.
· Business is not generally discussed during a meal.
· Never begin to at or drink before your host does.
· It is polite to sample every dish. The Chinese may even test your fortitude on purpose with exotic delicacies like marinated, deep-fried scorpions, completely intact with their stingers, on a bed of rice.
· At a meal, eat lightly at the beginning, since there could be up to 20 courses served. Expect your host to keep filling your bowl with food whenever you empty it. Finishing all of your food may be insult to your host, since it can mean he did not provide enough food. Leaving a bowl completely full is also rude.
· Your attempt at using chopsticks will be appreciated. When you are finished, set your chopsticks on the table or on the chopstick-rest. Placing them parallel on top of your bowl is considered a sign of bad luck.
· Try not to drop your chopsticks; it is considered bad luck.
· Toasting is big in China. At banquets, the host offers the first toast, and the ceremony continues all evening.
· Never take the last bit of food from a serving dish; this can signify that you are still hungry.
· The serving of fruit signals the end of the meal.
· If you do not want refills of tea, leave some in your cup.
· Generally, women should not drink alcoholic beverages. Business women should accept a drink, if offered, take a sip and leave it.