INTERNATIONAL TRADE


FOR ADVICE AND SUPPORT ON EXPORTING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OVERSEAS, PLEASE CONTACT THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM ON: 0121 450 4205


INDIA DOING BUSINESS IN…


Making the right impression on overseas visits


When preparing for business abroad, it is important to take into consideration the culture and etiquette of those that you are doing business with. India has one of the fastest growing economies


countries are invited to attend a one day conference on 1 December. The free export seminar, organised by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group’s award winning international trade team is to take place at Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham. ‘Export Today for Tomorrow’s Growth’ will include exhibitions from UK Trade and Investment,


Free Chamber export event B


usinesses who want to find out about exporting or who want to meet trade experts from European


France, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Holland, Czech Republic and Switzerland. Jonathan Webber, director of international trade services, said: “It would be difficult to create a


better opportunity for business to get direct, no-nonsense answers on exporting to Europe. We have representatives from seven British embassies in Europe and the Enterprise Europe Network.”


Seminar to focus on Chinese market


Correct documents key to trade success


A Sutton Coldfield freight forwarding company has warned companies of the dangers of having incorrect paperwork. Rita Vadukul, of Millennium Cargo, said not


having the proper paperwork could cause delays in importing or exporting items. She said: “Having the correct paperwork is


crucial to minimising the risk of delays, extra costs, or even the non-completion of a deal.” Birmingham Chamber has an export documentation team which can provide the correct documents for international trade.


For more information call Peter Moore on 0121 450 4219.


Birmingham law firm Squire Sanders Hammonds is hosting a seminar about doing business with China, still one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Squire Sanders Hammonds has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and is therefore well placed to advise UK businesses about both the development and the implementation of their China strategies. The China seminar takes palce on 15


November at the firm’s offices in Edmund Street.


in the world. The official languages are English and Hindi, though English is widely used in business. The official currency is the Indian Rupee. The Indian market provides many opportunities for UK companies hoping to expand, and India is the UK's 15th largest export market.


‘It would be difficult to create a better opportunity for business to get direct, no-nonsense answers on exporting to Europe’


European Enterprise Network, British American Business Council, the Chamber’s Translations Department and other export service providers. Simon Evans, managing director of Moflash Signalling Limited, which sells its signalling devices to


more than 25 countries, will provide an account of his company’s experiences in the world of export. Businesses will be able to meet UKTI commercial officers from nine countries including Ireland, Italy,


Top tips for doing business in India:


It is customary to present a business card when being introduced to new associates, Thank you in Hindi is ‘Dhanyavaad’.


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When entering a business meeting, begin with some trivial conversation; do not plunge immediately into business discussions.


Although it is commonplace for men to greet one another with a light handshake, it is


considered impolite to shake a woman’s hand unless she initiates the move. In the absence of a handshake, a greeting of peace shows respect for Indian culture. Place both palms together, take a small bow and say ‘Namaste’. This is also the Hindi word for ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.


Never directly refuse an invitation; an acceptable refusal might be ‘I’ll try’. Direct responses such as ‘no’ are considered impolite.


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Gift-giving is not normally expected at the first meeting, but potentially after a business


relationship has been established. Always give and receive gifts with two hands. When gift- wrapping avoid the colours black or white as they are believed to bring bad luck. Gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver.


Gifts from the UK such as chocolate, perfume or small electronic goods are


considered acceptable, but avoid giving gifts that include images of dogs, as they are considered unclean animals.


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Many Indians do not drink alcohol and Hindus do not eat beef.


For more information on business etiquette, please visit www.iptu.co.uk The next issue of Chamberlink will look at doing business with the USA.


NOVEMBER 2011 CHAMBERLINK 29


Feet are considered as unclean. The soles of your feet or shoes should never be pointed


at another person, and always apologise if your feet or shoes touch another person.


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