Narrator:
China; a country four hours behind New Zealand and 2000 years ahead in commerce.
Doug Ducker, Panmac, Managing Director, processed timber:
The growth within China is immense and it truly is an experience that has to be seen to be believed.
Grant Walsh, Kiwi Businessman, food processing:
I don't think the world has ever seen growth and expansion on this scale ever before.
Narrator:
New Zealand is the first country to recognise modern China as a free market economy in relationship to WTO and also to launch a bilateral free trade negotiation.
Glen Murphy, Nielsen, Former China Manager, market research:
From a business point of view it is the most exciting place to be in the world, bar none. I just can't imagine anywhere being as much fun as this from a business perspective.
Narrator:
New Zealand companies are learning to operate in the Chinese business environment with increasing success.
Doug Ducker, Panmac, Managing Director, processed timber:
I think you can read about it but you can’t actually absorb it until you have had several visits because one visit alone won't do it either.
Narrator:
The China market, while developing at an astounding rate, is not an Aladdin’s cave. Companies need to thoroughly prepare for any sort of business engagement with China, so the best advice is patience.
Dr Garth Smith, Biovittoria, Founder, horticulture:
I think we have learnt a lot and have grown a lot from our experiences here. It's different and it’s about learning to be patient. I'm impatient but I have had to be patient and I think that changes the whole flavour of a company, doing business in a place like China. It really is exciting and I think people shouldn't be scared of doing business here. This is a great place.
END
