IX.  BUSINESS TRAVEL


A.   Business Customs

     Hong Kong is over 150 years old.  Over the years, a unique society
     based on Chinese tradition and western technology has developed.
     It is a society which practices religious and racial tolerance.  Above
     all, it is a society that emphasizes hard work and success.

     Americans encounter few, if any cultural problems when conducting
     business in Hong Kong.  Americans should be aware that Hong Kong
     people tend to be more formal than many Americans.  Business
     acquaintances are addressed as Mr. or Ms. unless they state that their
     first name should be used.  Business cards are exchanged frequently
     and the exchange should be fairly formal: the card should be accepted
     with both hands and a moment taken to read it carefully.  "Face" is
     very important, problems or areas of disagreement are handled
     indirectly to avoid loss of "face."  While a study of local customs and
     practices may be helpful most people in Hong Kong are sufficiently
     familiar with Western customs that they are tolerant of cultural
     differences.  Business contacts should be treated the same as a formal
     business relationship in the U.S.  Western business attire (suit and
     tie for men, business suits for women) is appropriate.


B.   Travel Advisory and Visas

     Visas allowing residence and local employment for expatriates are
     granted on the basis of simple, comprehensible procedures, are
     handled in a timely manner and managed in a way that is consistent
     with the interests of employees.   There are no quotas, bonds, or
     guarantees required.  All residents are equal under the law, enjoy
     freedom of movement, access to public education, and basic civil
     freedoms.

     Visiting Americans generally fit in well.  Most Hong Kong business
     executives speak excellent English, and are accustomed to dealing
     with Westerners.

C.   Holidays


     1994

     September 21             Day following Mid-Autumn Festival
     October 13               Chung Yeung Festival
     December 26              Boxing Day
     December 27              First Week-day after Christmas Day

     1995

     January 2           First Week-day after New Year's Day
     January 31          Lunar New Year's Day
     February 1          Second Day of Lunar New Year
     February 2          Third Day of Lunar New Year
     April 5             Ching Ming Festival
     April 14            Good Friday
     April 15            The day following Good Friday
     April 17            Easter Monday
     June 2              Dragon Boat Festival
     August 26           The Saturday preceding the last Monday in
     August
     August 28           Liberation Day
     November 1          Chung Yeung Festival
     December 25         Christmas Day
     December 26         First Week-day after Christmas Day


D.   Business Infrastructure (eg. transportation, language,
     communications, housing, health, food).

     Housing, food, telecommunications, transportation and healthcare are
     all available at levels comparable to major American cities.  Hong Kong
     is one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially for
     housing, but it is also a very efficient city making it possible to
     accomplish a great deal in a short time.

     Your business partners will almost always speak English, and will
     negotiate on a very business-like basis.