Some FAQs about doing business in China

Is there more than one Chinese language?

While Mandarin Chinese is the official and predominant language spoken in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC), other languages and local dialects are also used. Cantonese, for example, is the main Chinese language spoken in Hong Kong. The Chinese written script can be applied and understood across all these different languages and dialects, however, it also takes two forms. In Taiwan the writing is what's known as traditional script form, while the PRC uses the newer simplified script. When we translate your media we'll ensure you use the right script according to your customer base.

Why is China an important trade partner?

Over the past 30 years, the Chinese economy has grown at an average rate of just under 10% per year and in 2010 overtook Japan to become the world's second largest economy.

China is the world's largest exporter and the third largest importer and is "expected to continue on its rapid growth trajectory over the next five years".

What is the UK government policy on China?

This update was recently published by the House of Commons

"UK Government Policy on China is about securing the greatest possible value for the UK from the rise of China. This means encouraging the Chinese to see the UK as a global hub and equipping the British people to seize the China opportunity through better understanding of China and better Chinese language skills."

During his November 2010 visit to China the UK Prime Minister David Cameron and the PRC Premier Wen Jiabao agreed to a target of doubling the value of bilateral trade to $100 billion a year by 2015.

This was followed up in June 2011 when further bilateral trade agreements worth £1.4 billion were signed.

In addition to this update, Britain is expecting a growing number of Chinese tourists in the next few years. VisitBritain says trips by Chinese tourists to the UK are forecast to more than double by 2014, growing by 117 per cent relative to 2008, with almost 130,000 additional visits (representing a 0.8 per cent market share for the UK).

Useful links

Business Links

Information and support for businesses trading with China.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/

Trade & Investment (UKTI)

Experts in helping businesses grow internationally, UKTI provides expert trade advice and practical support to UK-based companies wishing to expand their business overseas.

http://www.ukti.gov.uk/

China Britain Business Council

The CBBC helps British companies to do business in China.

http://www.cbbc.org/