|
"Guanxi" or "Guan Xi", a powerful cultural Chinese term, means relations,
particularly government relations, in English translation. The
government relations or PR relations in China may sound like "lobbying"
in the western world, however, there are substantial differences between
cultural Chinese "guanxi" and the western style PR relations. Guanxi is
indeed a super powerful term in China's business arena. No matter what
types of business you plan to do China, import export, business investment , joint venture, or even setting up a small service business, you will
end up with finding yourself in a web of group relations or PR relations
in a more academic term, among which government
relations is a key element. This is the reality which any Chinese
businesses have to face. Nevertheless, there are many positive
aspects for international businesses in either private sectors or non-profit
organization to develop strong strategic government relations, as
the governments in China can always lend you hands within their capacities
including regulatory, competition, partnership, customer and investment
protection. Government relations often help the foreign investors to get footed in
this enormous yet complicated market.
The Economic Development Zones
that set preferential tax policies
to attract foreign investments are good examples of Chinese
government entities.
Having been doing business in China and working with the Chinese government
of different levels for decades, Amlink International has gained broad extensive
experiences in developing strong government relations, special group
relations and other PR relations in China. The wide range of Guanxi
relations have significantly
strengthened our abilities in understanding government functionalities,
opening important communication channels, managing regulatory environment,
managing tough operation issues, managing business and finance risks
and building strong industry and market coalitions.
Amlink International Offers working-level government Relations business services
in the following categories:
building and utilizing direct government relations
managing regulatory environment uncertainties through cultural Chinese
Guanxi, government relations
obtaining government approvals on various applications, such as permits,
product compliances certificate
analyzing specific issues and managing the risks arising of the issues
seeking interpretations of government rules, regulations and laws that
may concern foreign investors
conducting systematic market entry strategy research for specific
product through special group relations
providing advice and consulting on foreign investment and business setup
in China
seeking funding through Chinese government relations for certain
national preferential projects
utilizing the government sponsored media power to promote ideas,
products and services
PR relations Guanxi campaign - building and utilizing direct government relations
Good relations or "guanxi" with the government agencies can to certain
extent help a company to understand and influence policy and regulation directions.
Such relations can also provide the effective means of overcoming difficulties
and obstacles. However, it should be noted that the power of guanxi sometimes
has its limit. It is very unwise to rely merely on the government relations
or other types of PR relations
in order to achieve business objectives. Successful government relations require regular and ongoing nurturing; isolated exploitation simply just
does not work. Amlink International has been working continuously with administrative
and working-level officials to solidify the long-term relations.
Using government relations and other PR relations to manage regulatory environment uncertainty
China is still a developing country, where economic reform takes place on a
continuous basis. Policy changes inevitably create uncertainties in the
regulatory environment. Therefore, it is critical to manage regulatory environment
for anyone who has been doing or plan to do business in China. As the Chinese legal system is
towards being maturely
regularized, especially in the aftermath of WTO entry and recent
international financial crisis, Amlink International can help clients
to identify and understand forthcoming legislation and legislature ramifications
through its broad government and other group relations. In addition, we can also
provide comprehensive regulatory analysis in a way to help our clients to minimize
their investment
risk and seize the opportunities.
Using government relations and other PR relations to analyze issues and manage potential risks arising of the issues
Controversy and dispute are unavoidable in any business practices.
Legal recourse certainly will make the crisis worse and cause negative sentiment
being escalated. Behind-the-scene mediation is often the best way to achieve mutually satisfactory and lasting solutions.
In this process, PR relations and government relations can certainly
play important roles. In the last two decades, Amlink has successfully
used its PR relations power to assist clients to settle many disputes
through constructive and effective mediations, which could be damaging
and costly otherwise.
|
