13 October 2011
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is resuming its successful China Business Training series to help businesses crack China and succeed.
A third series of two-day courses will kick off from October 25 around New Zealand and, so far, over 360 staff from 197 businesses have signed up. The previous series earlier this year achieved a 100 percent approval rating, with some companies booking customised sessions for their staff.
Peter Stichbury, CEO of storageware manufacturer Click Clack, took part in the course earlier this year. He said: “I recommend the course to anyone who is doing business in China, as it covers a very wide range of topics. It includes extensive information on cultural aspects of business conduct, key regulations relevant to New Zealand businesses and examples of how to overcome problems encountered.
“It is very helpful for both new entrants and existing players in China – I found it filled in quite a few gaps in my working knowledge and made me more confident of how to proceed in some situations. The course is also run by a very experienced leader who uses her wealth of experience to make the course relevant and interesting.”
Since the signing of the China-NZ Free Trade Agreement in 2008, New Zealand’s exports to China have grown by 143 percent from NZ$2.3 billion to NZ$5.6 billion (YE August 2011). It is now New Zealand’s second largest trading partner and goods export market after Australia.
Liz Te Amo, NZTE Projects Director, said: “China is an exciting place to do business, requiring focus and commitment to succeed. New Zealand businesses are well regarded and respected in China, but a gap in knowledge and understanding can be a stumbling block for some. It is critical businesses learn from those who have in-depth knowledge and experience in the market.”
The training is designed to help New Zealand businesses and business people to:
- Understand the market and how the government and business in China operates
- Navigate language barriers, cultural difference and regional variations
- Build and maintain business relationships
- Work within the Chinese legal, financial and management structures
Liz continued: “New Zealand businesses venturing into or already doing business in China will benefit from the many insights shared in the training programme. The programme also helps teams needing to understand the Chinese market and business culture to be more effective in their roles.”
The training costs $50 per person per day and, given class sizes are limited, priority will be given to NZTE clients. The first course in Auckland on 25-26 October is fully booked, however a second date in Auckland has been added on 7-8 December.
Training dates for the rest of the country are:
- Tauranga – 27-28 October
- Hamilton – 31 Oct-1 Nov
- New Plymouth – 3-4 November
- Napier – 7-8 November
- Wellington – 10-11 November
- Nelson – 14-15 November
- Christchurch – 17-18 November
- Dunedin – 21-22 November
For more information on the training, venues and to register, companies should visit www.nzte.govt.nz/chinabusinesstraining
