Commercialise in China – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between this program and other business tours or government delegations?
A: Most ‘tours’ and ‘delegations’ are structured in a way that provides one perspective only. We provide a unique mix of industry insight, high level business meetings and in-office experience. The program aims to provide you the opportunity to properly experience what it will be like to do business in China. By leveraging our network, we help to open doors that save you time. At the end of the program, you should be empowered to make an executive decision about real commercialisation opportunities in China.
Q: Is this a business matchmaking service?
A: No. While we do tailor itineraries based on your requirements, the meetings we organise are not specifically with one other business or group only. Often, we will introduce you to organisations (public and private) that have the potential to assist you in taking your ideas to the next level. The program does not include any ‘company speed dating’ types of activities or de-personalised networking events.
Q: Will you be seeking to take a percentage stake in our ideas, and/or will you be involved in the potential pipeline of investment?
A: No. There is no obligation to the program organisers beyond the program fee itself. However, we could become further involved upon a specific request.
Q: How will I get around in Shanghai?
A: Shanghai has ample and well-serviced public transportation options, as well as a very cheap and efficient taxi service. Your personal assistant will be able to advise you on the best options once you are in Shanghai. The average metro rail fare costs RMB 4, while a typical taxi ride is about RMB 20.
Q: What is the benefit of being in Shanghai?
A: It is important that you get a feel for the buzz of China, its people, the working environment and the business culture. There is no better city in China to experience this buzz than Shanghai, a thriving, dense metropolis that enjoys its status as the commercial capital of China. Further, it is a country that must be experienced directly, rather than heard/read about second-hand, particularly when making a commercial play. Our program will equip you to make more informed decisions about involving China in your commercial plans, by giving you the opportunity to:
- Connect with potential business partners and investors;
- Personally visit science parks and incubators;
- Gain first-hand experience of Chinese business culture;
- Experience the vibrancy of Shanghai, which is gearing up to host the World Expo in 2010, the biggest single event ever held in the city.
Q: How do I know the meetings organised will be helpful/useful for my needs?
A: IEOCN is directly linked to over 100 science parks and other government agencies, from which we will choose the most appropriate for your product(s) or idea(s). With experience connecting with government and running businesses in China, the program organisers are well placed to identify and facilitate productive meetings with various organisations/parties.
Q: What is the advantage of having my own desk during my time in Shanghai?
A: Foreigners who fail in China usually have trouble adapting to the Chinese working environment. By sitting among Chinese colleagues in an office, together with your series of meetings, you will gain further insight into the business and cultural norms in China. This provides an excellent basis to make an informed decision on whether you will be comfortable spending time doing business in China and/or dealing with Chinese businesspeople and colleagues. Beyond these reasons, we know that you are busy and would benefit from having a fixed, reliable facility to keep up with work back at home.
Q: How will this program help me to commercialise my product?
A: China has capital, facilities, people, resources and market scale, and we help you access these. Through IEOCN’s network of government and business links, you will be provided access to key people at high-tech parks, incubators, investment outfits, and other targeted businesses and organizations based on the brief/requirements specified on your application form.
Q: Who are the potential investors for my product and/or ideas?
A: The program provides access to a broad network of potential investors. These may include government-linked investment funds or private investment firms and individuals.
Q: Who are the target participants for this program?
A: We target people involved in the biotechnology, clean energy, new materials, marine science, aerospace and information technology sectors. Within these sectors, those that would gain most from our program are commercialisation officers at universities, entrepreneurs with a working prototype of an innovative product, or senior researchers who are comfortable engaging directly on commercial matters.
Q: Will the participants in the tour be divided into different groups?
A: As the program is tailored based on your specific requirements, all participants will attend meetings on their own with their assigned personal assistants. However, there will be a small number of group events to allow participants to network and share experiences.
Q: How should I prepare for the pre-organised meetings? What should I bring to Shanghai for these meetings?
A: We advise that you bring key company and product materials as well as profiles of significant people in your team (translated into simplified Chinese). Don’t forget an ample stock of business cards and small gifts for your contacts. Once your itinerary is confirmed, we can discuss your preparations in more detail if required. If you need a translation service, please enquire with the program office.
Q: Will the program organisers help to deal with commercialisation procedures at the completion of the tour?
A: The program is self contained and will end after the two week period. However, the program organisers can provide further assistance upon a specific request.
Q: How can I survive in Shanghai (foreign country, foreign language and foreign people)?
A: Your individually assigned personal assistant will help you communicate with locals, provide cultural tips and understanding of local norms, as well as interpret during your meetings. An airport transfer will be arranged to ensure an easy start to your trip. There is also an optional Chinese business culture program to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of China to better contextualise your interactions. Shanghai is an international city, and though many locals do not speak fluent English, most directional, transport and road signs are listed in both Chinese and English.
Q: How will the Chinese business culture training be delivered?
A: The culture training will be delivered by a premium provider in Shanghai. It will be conducted either on a one-to-one basis or in a group according to your requirements. Location of the training will also be determined by your requirements. Please contact the program office for more details.
Q: What does overall program fee include?
A: The program fee includes a tailored itinerary, office facilities, a full-time personal assistant, accommodation and airport transfers.
Q: I have a portfolio of high-tech companies that I am looking to promote. How will your program help me?
A: When signing up for our program, you will be requested to provide us with your requirements. Based on this brief, we will determine an itinerary aimed at providing you with the chance to explore opportunities for the various companies in your portfolio.
Q: Where in Shanghai is the tour based? Will we be close to transport options?
A: Accommodation is based in central Shanghai, with convenient transportation links to your designated office.
