As in the mainland, business cards are widely used in Hong Kong.
(TIME) -- In Hong Kong, get ready to join the business fast track.
A bustling, fast-paced business hub where east meets west and ancient and modern worlds come together, Hong Kong has a unique cultural identity.
Many Hong Kong Chinese are Western educated and assume Western customs and habits, whilst maintaining ancient Chinese traditions and values.
Thus, even if your Chinese counterparts appear to have a Western approach to business negotiations, keep in mind the Confucian principle of maintaining face and show respect and humility in your dealings with them.
Everything moves fast in Hong Kong and foreign business delegates must be able to move quickly and seize opportunities as they arise. Well-known for their entrepreneurial flair and business acumen, the Hong Kong people are shrewd negotiators, who are not afraid to take risks.
Be prepared to engage in the dynamic work ethic and to work long hours, as and when required. It is important to be punctual -- arriving late for a meeting is seen to signify a lack of serious interest.
Allow plenty of time to travel between appointments, as roads can be very congested in Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Ensure you have the name of your destination written in Chinese, as some taxi drivers do not speak English.
Generally, most people in Hong Kong speak English and Cantonese -- the city's two official languages, though Mandarin is becoming more widely spoken.
As in the mainland, business cards are widely used and should be presented with both hands.
Socializing outside the office is an effective way to cultivate close working relationships. Business entertaining may take place over a lunch of dim sum or at a business dinner, which can span ten or more courses.
The evening may continue at a late-night drinking bar, though this is a more typical feature of the expatriate business community.
Hong Kong's blend of cultures demands that foreign visitors are both sensitive and flexible. Above all, the ability to think on your feet will prove to be a vital asset.
