Top Tips for Success in China

YiFei Dai, IDC China's MD advises:

Local knowledge, language & cultural understanding is crucial! Find a reliable local partner at the earliest opportunity.

A suitable local partner will be able to offer insight about the local market and culture. Identifying the right market focus will help companies to achieve success more quickly, as well as reducing the investment risk. However, a suitable partner should share the same values and have a similar goal to the company to ensure a successful collaboration.

There is no typical market. Every market differs locally, so companies needs to take an agile and innovative approach when developing products. Again, local knowledge is key!

User centred design requires even more understanding of the environment and user habits - it is essential to develop a product which provides a suitable user experience, especially in the medical sector. Having local knowledge is crucial in designing a good product which local users need.

Take a long-term approach and give the market enough time to respond.

Opening a new market always take longer especially if you are bringing something new and advanced. It takes time to spread the name and demonstrate the value.

Be consistent in what you offer and keep promoting it. Success in China requires patience.

Business grows incrementally. Many multinational companies have waited a long time before reaping the returns. Remember, once you are accepted, the Chinese tend to establish long term relationships. The rewards will justify the investment.