County of San Bernardino: Economic Development Agency

Q: Why should I participate in a trade mission to China?

A: China, with over 100 million entrepreneurs, is aggressively moving towards free-market capitalism. Business leaders in China are interested in meeting executives like you with a global mindset and a strategic vision on the future.

Q: What is the goal for the mission?

A: Our goal is to help SME’s (Small Medium Sized Enterprises) benefit from the lucrative two-way trade between China and our region, and keep our businesses competitive in today’s global marketplace.

Q: What is the difference between this trade mission and trips with more delegates and a cheaper price tag?

A: Our trade mission is designed for the entrepreneur who is looking to grow his/her business. Although there will be some limited opportunities for sightseeing, the primary objective will be to ensure that you take advantage of pre-screened, custom tailored one-on-one meetings with potential partners and/or clients. Other cheaper trips concentrate only on sightseeing and miss out on understanding the insights of doing business in this dynamic economy. Lastly, we are limiting participation to no more than twenty companies so that everyone can get our undivided service and attention prior to and while abroad. The limited amount of delegates stands in contrast with other trips that take hundreds of delegates.

Q: How can we better prepare for the trade mission?

A: Business etiquette, intellectual property, pricing, marketing strategy and transportation are some of the issues that will be fully discussed in a pre-mission briefing with all delegates prior to the trip. Additionally, once in China, we will be briefed by a Senior Commercial Officer at the American Embassy. These officers generate business marketing intelligence on our behalf.

Q: Is this trade mission limited to targeted industry sectors?

A: No. The trade mission is open to all industry sectors, including service fields such as legal, franchise and consulting sectors. All meetings will be customized for individual participants.

Q: How will you arrange for me to meet my best possible business partner/client?

A: After receiving your company profile/questionnaire, we will determine whether there is a market for your product/service. In some cases we will determine the feasibility for sourcing. Based on that determination, we will obtain your commitment to allow our partners in China to begin canvassing for a match based on your specifications. Matches will be with companies who have demonstrated an interest in meeting with you and are pre-screened for longevity, expertise, absence of bankruptcies and other arrears.

Q: Is it safe to travel in China?

A: Yes. China is still one of the safer travel destinations in the world. Although petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching is on the increase, especially in major cities, serious crime against foreigners is rare. And also, the Chinese government guarantees the safety of foreign tourists.

Q: Are there any health concerns for travel to China?

A: There are no special health requirements to travel to China. Pregnant, elderly, disabled and very young travelers as well as travelers with poor health should take special care whenever they travel abroad. Elderly travelers, or those with medical problems, are advised to make a thorough physical examination before visiting China. All travelers are recommended to bring their medical records along, but this is not mandatory. Travel to high-altitude areas is not suitable for those with pulmonary or heart problems. Please consult your Physician.

Q: Do I need immunizations to enter China?

A: No immunizations are not required for entry into China unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta recommends that all travelers have current polio and tetanus immunizations. It is very important to bring along a supply of wide spectrum Antibiotics, an antidiarrheal agent, and any other prescription drugs required. For most update information, please contact CDC in Atlanta or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov.

Q: May I take Chinese currency to China for my convenience? Is it illegal to import or export Chinese currency?

A: Generally you need not take Chinese currency to China since you can easily exchange US$ into Chinese Rmb in hotels and banks. However if you would like to have local currency upon your arrival in China, it is okay that you may take a volume of Chinese currency less than 6,000 Rmb without declaration at the customs. You are required to declare your import of Chinese currency exceeding 6,000 Rmb.