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China
Brief Fact File| Capital | Beijing |
| Currency | Yuan (CNY). Also referred to as the Renminbi (RMB) |
| Language(s) | Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect) |
| Local time | GMT + 08:00 |
| Telephone code | 86 |
| Major cities | Shanghai; Chongqing; Tianjin; Chengdu; Harbin |
Economy
China introduced market reforms in 1978 by replacing agricultural communes with a semi-private system. It established special economic zones and provided preferential tax incentives to attract foreign investment. Today, the economy of China is mainly dominated by industry. It is the world’s largest producer of steel, coal, cement, fertilizers and a range of household appliances. In agricultural products, it leads in rice, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, cotton and oilseeds. China is the third largest trading country in the world. After the entry in World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, it opened the markets by minimising or eliminating, on some products, import tariffs and quotas and relaxing foreign investment restrictions. Main trading partners of China are U.S., Hong Kong, Japan, EU, South Korea and Singapore in exports. In import, it is Japan, EU, Taiwan, South Korea, U.S. and Hong Kong.
Major Exports:
- Food and live animals
- Beverages and tobacco
- Crude materials, inedible, except fuels
- Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials
- Animals and vegetable oils, fats and waxes
- Chemicals and related products
- Machinery and transport equipment
- Optical and medical equipments
- Iron and steel
- Plastics
- Apparel and Textile
- Food and live animals
- Beverages and tobacco
- Crude materials, inedible, except fuels
- Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials
- Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes
- Chemicals and related products
- Machinery and transport equipment
- Optical and medical equipments
- Iron and steel
- Plastics
Business Dress
- Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.
- Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses.
- Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.
- Casual dress should be conservative as well.
- Men & women can wear jeans but it is not acceptable for business meetings.
- Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.
- The common greeting in China is bowing or nodding. Handshake may be offered but wait for the other side.
- While greeting a crowd, applause is common and the same is expected in return.
- The introductions are formal, so use formal titles.
- Being on time is very vital.
- Make prior appointments.
- Prior to the trip, one should contact the client.
- One should carry several copies of all written documents for the meeting.
- The process of decision making by Chinese are slow. Never expect to conclude swiftly.
- Many Chinese wait for the lucky day or consult with the stars before taking a decision.
- Present and receive cards with both hands.
- Do not write on a business card and even do not put it in wallet or pocket. Carry a small business card case.
- Chinese value rank and status. So, the most important member of the company should lead important meetings.
- Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.
- Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.
9.00 am to 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch)
9.00 am to 1.00 pm (Saturdays)
Important Contacts
Associations / Ministries
China
- China Chamber of International Commerce
(Beijing Chamber of Commerce)
Tel.: +(86)-(10)-64250792
Fax: +(86)-(10)-64250409
E-mail: ccoicbj@public.bta.net.cn
Website: http://www.ccpitbj.com
- All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce
Tel.: +(86)-(10)-62389641
Tel.: +(86)-(10)-62389641
E-mail: acficic@datachina.com.cn
Website: http://www.datachina.com.cn
- China Chamber of Commerce for Import/Export of Metals,
Minerals, and Chemicals
Tel.: +(86)-(10)-69329383
Fax: +(86)-(10)-68329386
- China Chamber of Commerce for Import/Export of Textiles
Tel.: +(86)-(10)-65231707
- China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC)
1, Fung Xing Men Wai Street
100860 Beijing
China
Tel.: +(86)-(10)-68021275
Fax: +(86)-(10)-68023554
E-mail: linsj@icc-china.com
Website: http://www.icc-china.com
- China Council for the Promotion International Trade (CCPIT)
No.1 Fuxingmenwai Street,
Beijing , P.R China(100860)
Tel.: +(86)-(10)-68020229, 68034823
Fax: +(86)-(10)-68030747, 68011370
E-mail: info@ccpit.org
Website: http://www.ccpit.org
- Confederation of Indian Industry (China)
Confederation of Indian Industry
Room No.11A47/49, Shanghai Mart
2299 Yan'an Road (West)
Shanghai - 200336, China
Tel: +(86)-(21)-62360969
Fax: + (86)-21-32283510
E-mail: s.k.misra@ciionline.org
Website: http://www.ciionline.org
http://www.indiachina.org
Embassy of India
1, Ritan Dong Lu
Beijing 100600
Tel: +(86)-(10)-65321908 (For English/Hindi speakers, manned round the clock)
+(86)-(10)-65321856 (For English/Chinese speakers, during office hours only)
Fax: +(86)-(10)-65324684
Working hours:
8.30 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Friday)
9.00 am to 11.30 am (for attestation of Passport/Visa applications/documents on working days)
3.00 pm to 4 pm ( for Passports/Visas/attested documents delivery on working days)
Consulate General of India, Shanghai
1008, Shanghai International Trade Centre
2201 Yan An Xi Lu
Shanghai - 200335
Tel: +(86)-(21)-62758882 / 8885 / 8886
Fax: +(86)-(21)-62758881
E-mail: cgisha@public.sta.net.cn
Website: http://www.indianconsulate.org.cn
Consulate General of India, Hong Kong
Chancery (Information Wing and Consul General's office)
16 D, United Centre, 95 Queensway
Hong Kong
Consular, Economic and Commercial Wings
26 A, United Centre, 95 Queensway
Hong Kong
E-mail: consulate@indianconsulate.org.hk
Website: http://www.indianconsulate.org.hk
Visiting this Country
Business Visa Rules for China
To apply for an entry visa to China, the applicant is required to lodge with this Consulate no less than the following:
- Passport with at least one full blank page;
- Visa Application Form duly completed;
- The full name of the applicant should be written in BLOCK letter;
- One recent passport size photo;
- Application fees; and
- An original letter of invitation by a Chinese governmental authority or competent Chinese company.
| Festival | Date | Detail |
| The New Year's Day | Jan. 1st | 1 day holiday |
| The Spring Festival | Normally in Jan or Feb | 4 days holiday |
| The International Women Day | Mar. 8th | 1/2 day holiday for women only |
| The Labor Day | May 1st | 3 days holiday |
| The Chinese Youths' Day | May 4th | 1 day or 1/2 day off for young people |
| The International Children's Day | Jun. 1st | 1 day or 1/2 day off for school children |
| The Birthday of the CCP | Jul. 1st | CCP members usually celebrated through meetings |
| The Birthday of the People's Liberation Army | Aug. 1st | Celebrated by the army |
| The National Day | Oct. 1st | 3 days holiday |
Travel Tips
- For visiting China, the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the expiry date of the visa.
- Any passenger holding a first class adult ticket or a half-price ticket is entitled to bear the luggage of 30 kg free of charge (checked and carry-on baggage);
- Passenger holding a economy class adult ticket or a half-price ticket is entitled to bear the luggage of 20 kg free of charge (checked and carry-on baggage);
- No free luggage allowance for people who hold infant tickets.
- Visitors are allowed to carry into China a limited quantity of duty-free goods.
- Do not pack currency, jewellery, securities or other valuables in the checked baggage.
- On arrival in china, foreigners have to undergo health check. Anyone with listed diseases is prohibited.
- Carry backpack or a rucksack than a suitcase. It is easily carried in buses and trains. A frameless or internal-frame pack is preferable. A small shoulder bag or a bum bag is essential to carry camera and other daily items.
- A pair of sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen lotion and a water bottle are necessary if visiting to the desert regions or at high altitudes.
