| ARE THERE PROSPECTS FOR MY PRODUCTS ON THE
CHINESE MARKET?
With a population of 1.3 billion potential clients, China presents a
new wave of opportunity : the start of a new private consumption engine.
This mass-market sector, having only recently come into existence, features
150 million low-key consumers who are about to go high-profile! China
is most certainly considered as an immense market, however it is also
a busy and still highly protected market.
Canadian exports to China increased from 2.7 billion dollars in 1999
to almost 4 billion dollars in 2002 and have become more and more diversified.
Although certain Chinese market sectors present numerous possibilities
for companies willing to export, the regulations and judicial system currently
in place are known for being less than clear and are able to undo even
the most carefully thought-out plan of attack.
In addition, since August 1st, 2003, the governing body of the People’s
Republic of China has put security regulations in place for importers
and those who manufacture in China covering a wide-range of manufacturing
industries worldwide. This regulation, named China Compulsory
Certification (CCC), requires manufacturers within 19 categories
and extending to over 132 different products to obtain the CCC seal of
approval before exporting to China or selling product within its borders.
Products that do not conform to CCC regulations risk being seized at Chinese
borders and are subject to sanctions.
So, where to start? Where do I inform myself as to regulations? Where
do I find the key resource people to support my cause? Just who exactly
are my potential clients? Why would they buy my products? Who are my competitors?
How much are my clients willing to pay and what payment methods are suitable?
What kinds of promotions would I need to move my products? How do I finance
my export ventures?
Export to China, yes! But at what price?
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