Blending in vital for Chinese business abroad

• Source: Global Times
• [02:51 December 04 2009]
• Comments

Protecting the legal interests of Chinese businesspeople abroad falls to the Chinese government. Consular protection, prioritized by Chinese government in recent years, has proved effective in coordinating with local authorities for an amicable resolution of such conflicts. And a more active role should be played by Chinese diplomatic missions, and chambers of commerce abroad in reaching out to shield Chinese businesspeople.

Doubtless, a durable solution lies with the Chinese businesspeople, who should blend in with the local community.

In the case of the Chinese in Romania, lack of assimilation is the biggest problem threatening their survival as well as prosperity. In the mid-1990s, Romania had a Chinese population of 20,000. Nearly 60 percent have since moved out, and the bulk of those who remain are small business owners.

Speaking no Romanian and with little knowledge of local laws and culture, the Chinese businesspeople are hardly seen interacting with the host country's mainstream. Most Chinese businesspeople rely heavily on their Romanian bodyguards and interpreters. That leaves them isolated with minimal protection from local authorities.

In contrast to the series of such recent incidents, numerous success stories can be cited of Chinese businesses abroad that developed by taking root in the local community.

Only by assimilating more into the mainstream and uniting to protect their legal rights can the Chinese abroad nurture their business in a more sustainable way.