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Big change 2010 for Rep. Offices in China

In February 2010, the Chinese State Administration of Taxation issued a circular entitled “Tentative Measures for the Administration of Taxation on Representative Offices of Foreign Enterprises”, to clarify and update the taxation policies with respect to representative offices (RO) in China. The circular, which applies retroactively as from 1 January 2010 and abolishes previous guidance governing RO, sets out the requirements relating to the methods to be used to calculate tax, the tax filing procedures, etc. applicable to RO.

Setting up an RO in China is simple and convenient: there is no registered capital requirement, the application process is easy and the operating costs are relatively low. Therefore, registering an RO in China is generally the initial step for foreign companies wishing to invest in and experience the local market.

Although the Chinese government has stipulated various restrictions on the activities of RO (e.g. it has prohibited most RO from carrying on direct business activities), in practice some RO have conducted business beyond their approved scope. To address this issue, the State Administration for Industry & Commerce issued a “Notice on Further Strengthening the Registration Administration of Foreign Enterprises’ Representative Offices” in January 2010, which imposes more stringent requirements on RO (e.g. an RO is normally not allowed to have more than four representatives (including the Chief Representative)). These instances of non-compliance have also attracted the attention of the Chinese tax authorities.

As a result the methods of filing an Enterprise Income Tax return and an application for an exemption from EIT are no longer determined based on the principal business of the head office of an RO, should be submitted and tax paid based on the profits attributable to an RO. Business Tax (BT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) returns should be submitted and tax paid in accordance with the relevant tax regulations.

An RO is required to maintain accounting books and records based on official and valid vouchers. It also must accurately calculate its taxable turnover and profits (“actual amount method”) based on a principle that reflects the actual functions performed by the RO and the risks borne. An RO should submit quarterly EIT and BT returns based on actual results within 15 days after the end of each quarter, and submit a VAT return and pay VAT due in accordance with the deadlines stipulated in the “Provisional Regulations of Value Added Tax”.

If an RO is unable to provide a complete accounting record or if it cannot calculate its income and expenses with reasonable certainty, the tax authorities reserve the right to use one of the following “deemed amount methods” to determine taxable turnover and profits:

1. A cost-plus method for an RO that is able to provide accurate details of its operating expenses but cannot accurately substantiate its turnover or costs; and

2. The deemed profit method (based on the turnover) for an RO that is able to provide accurate turnover information but the cost and expense details are not clearly shown.

An RO that is taxed according to one of the deemed amount methods may apply to the tax authorities to use the actual amount method if the RO can demonstrate that it can now maintain sound accounting books and records to calculate accurate taxable turnover and profits.

Where the deemed amount methods are applicable, the deemed profit rate is increased from 10% to no less than 15%. The following example illustrates that the total EIT and BT burden will be increased by at least 24% for an RO taxed according to the cost-plus method.

If the cost-plus method is used, the expenses required to be included in the cost-plus computation as required by the new rules remain almost the same as those under the old rules. However, the new rules provides that expenditure incurred on fixed asset additions and leasehold improvements will be treated as one-time expenses – an RO cannot use depreciation or amortization charges for purposes of the cost-plus computation.

The new rules require that the local tax authorities no longer accept applications for an exemption from EIT under the old rules, and should review and revisit the taxability of those RO that were previously approved for the tax exemption. RO that believe they are eligible for an exemption from EIT pursuant to a relevant tax treaty (or tax arrangement) may apply to the tax authorities for the exemption in accordance with the “Administration Measures on the Application for Preferential Treatment under a Tax Treaty by Nonresidents”.

Potential problems arising under the new rules:

1) The new rules states that an RO engaged in activities subject to VAT must file a VAT return. However, since RO usually do not have the capacity to carry on trading activities directly (e.g. there are restrictions on the import of merchandise, the issuance of invoices, the receipt of business proceeds, etc.), the reference to taxable activities subject to VAT should be clarified.

2) The old regulations stipulated that RO that only carried out market research, the provision of market information and liaison and other preparatory and auxiliary activities in China for purposes of the manufacturing or sale of the products of their head offices were not to be subject to EIT or BT. Such RO were eligible to apply for an exemption from both taxes. In contrast, the new rules only allow an RO to apply for an EIT exemption if there is a relevant tax treaty/arrangement. Practically speaking, it is a formidable challenge to prove to the satisfaction of

The tax authorities that the activities carried out by an RO are only “preparatory and auxiliary” in accordance with a tax treaty/arrangement. The new rules also mandates that the local tax authorities refrain from accepting EIT exemption applications, but does not mention the BT exemption application. Even if an RO is able to obtain an exemption from EIT, it is unclear whether an exemption from BT is also available.

3) For an RO with a simple function and low risk, the old deemed profit rate of 10% is normally not considered low in most cases. However, the new rules now prescribes the use of a deemed profit rate of no less than 15%. It is unclear whether the local tax authorities would use a higher deemed profit rate. On 20 February 2010, the SAT also issued “Administrative Measures for the assessment and Collection of Enterprise Income Tax on Nonresident Enterprises”, which provide that the deemed profit rate for nonresident

enterprises should range from 15% to 50% (and maybe even higher in certain cases), depending on the nature of the services provided. It is unclear whether the local tax authorities would refer to Circular 19 to determine the appropriate deemed profit rate for an RO based on the principal business of its overseas head company. It is also unclear whether the local tax authorities would consider other factors in determining the deemed profit rate.

4) Where an RO is taxed under the actual amount method, The new rules for the first time indicate that the RO should record its taxable turnover and profits according to the actual functions undertaken and risks assumed. From an economic perspective, this seems to imply that the SAT is focusing its attention on whether the amount of turnover and profits booked by the RO reflect a reasonable amount as compared to the results of the head office.

Many issues obviously need to be clarified for the new rules to be able to be implemented.

Summary

The purpose of The new rules is to strengthen the collection and administration of taxes on RO. The Circular abolishes the old approval procedures for a tax exemption application, requires a revisit of RO that were tax exempt and increases the deemed profit rate. To some extent, these new measures may discourage foreign companies from setting up RO in China. With the previous deemed profit rate of 10% already considered high by some RO, the new deemed profit rate of 15% will undoubtedly increase the tax burden on RO. Foreign investors should, therefore, examine whether their RO qualify for a tax exemption under the new regulations. RO that believe they are entitled to an exemption should apply for approval as soon as possible. Where an RO does not meet the new requirements for exemption, converting the RO to a wholly foreign-owned company may be an alternative.

Furthermore, The new rules allows the local tax authorities of all provinces to set out specific operational procedures, so investors still need to pay close attention to the local tax authorities’ policy developments and prepare to take action to mitigate potential risk.

Neue Regelungen für Repräsentanzbüros in China

Das Amt für administrative Verwaltung von Industrie und Handel (SAIC= State Administration of Industry and Commerce) hat zu Beginn dieses Jahres neue Regelungen für Repräsentanzbüros in China erlassen, die mit sofortiger Wirkung in Kraft treten. Die Richtlinien beinhalten folgende wichtige Neuerungen:

 (1) Jährliche Neuregistrierung des Repräsentanzbüros statt wie bisher alle drei Jahre.

(2) Ein Repräsentanzbüro kann maximal 4 Repräsentanten beschäftigen.

(3) Die Überwachung der Repräsentanzbüros und die Einhaltung der geltenden Regelungen wird verschärft.

(4) Die Muttergesellschaft muss zum Zeitpunkt der Gründung des Repräsentanzbüros bereits mindestens zwei Jahre bestehen.

(5) Ein Existenzbeweis der Muttergesellschaft muss fortan jährlich erbracht werden.

Was ist der Hintergrund dieser Regelungen?

Die Regelungen sind insgesamt als Teil einer wirtschaftspolitischen Ausrichtung zu verstehen, die verstärkt Wert auf die Qualität der Investitionen in China legt.

Sie sollen einen möglichen Mißbrauch von Repräsentanzbüros durch die Überschreitung der Grenze von repräsentativer Tätigkeit zur Geschäftstätigkeit eindämmen.

Gleichzeitig zielen die neuen Regelungen darauf ab, ausländische Investoren zur Gründung einer eigenen chinesischen GmbH (WFOE= Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise) oder eines Joint Ventures zu bewegen.

Die chinesischen Behörden stellen damit klar, dass ab sofort die Befolgung der Vorschriften strenger überwacht wird. Demzufolge wird die Toleranz für Repräsentanzen, die de facto Gewinn erwirtschaften oder Dienstleistungen erbringen, nach allgemeiner Einschätzung in Zukunft stark abnehmen.

Die Neuregelungen nehmen auch Visamissbrauch durch Ausländer ins Visier, die eine Repräsentanz hauptsächlich zum Zweck der Erlangung einer Aufenthalts- und Arbeitserlaubnis gründen.

Als solche sehen wir die neuen Regelungen durchaus als Schritt in die richtige Richtung, auch wenn sich dadurch der Verwaltungsaufwand erhöht.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für Ihre Repräsentanz?

 (1) Jährliche Neuregistrierung des Repräsentanzbüros statt wie bisher alle drei Jahre.

Zugehörige Dokumente wie z.B. der Existenznachweis der Muttergesellschaft sind jedes Jahr neu zu erbringen. Bestehende Repräsentanzen können zunächst mit ihrer momentan gültigen Genehmigung weiter operieren. Nach deren Ablauf gelten die neuen Regelungen.

(2) Ein Repräsentanzbüro kann maximal 4 Repräsentanten beschäftigen.

Ausländer, die in China in einer Repräsentanz arbeiten, müssen als Repräsentanten registriert sein. Deren Zahl wird nun auf 4 beschränkt.

Bestehende Repräsentanzen mit mehr als 4 Repräsentanten können diese weiter beschäftigen, jedoch keine zusätzlichen Repräsentanten anstellen. Bei Erneuerung der Betriebsgenehmigung der Repräsentanz muss die Anzahl der Repräsentanten dann auf 4 beschränkt werden.

Nur Repräsentanten können ein Z-Visum und damit auch eine Aufenthalts- und Arbeitsgenehmigung erlangen, für zusätzliche ausländische Beschäftigte muss die Repräsentanz eine Einladung ausstellen, mit der ein F-Visum für Geschäftsreisen mit beschränkter Aufenthaltsdauer (normalerweise max. 90 Tage) beantragt werden kann.

Lokale Mitarbeiter werden in der Regel über Dienstleister wie FESCO oder CIIC angestellt und sind dadurch von der Neuregelung nicht betroffen.

(3) Die Überwachung der Repräsentanzbüros und die Einhaltung der geltenden Regelungen wird verschärft.

Die ortsansässige SAIC-Behörde führt innerhalb von drei Monaten nach Gründung der Repräsentanz eine Inspektion der Meldeadresse durch. Das Nichtvorhandensein von Büroräumlichkeiten oder Mitarbeitern führt zur Verhängung von Strafen für die Repräsentanz.

Repräsentanzen ist es zudem untersagt, ohne ordnungsgemäße Neuregistrierung umzuziehen. Ausserdem ist es nicht gestattet, in einem Verwaltungsbezirk die Betriebsgenehmigung, in einem anderen Verwaltungsbezirk dagegen die Steuerregistrierung, bzw. andere Eintragungen ausstellen zu lassen. Zuwiderhandlung kann dazu führen, dass die Repräsentanz auf einer “schwarzen Liste” landet, was Schwierigkeiten bei der Neuregistrierung oder Abmeldung bei der SAIC oder anderen Behörden nach sich zieht.

(4) Die Muttergesellschaft muss zum Zeitpunkt der Gründung des Repräsentanzbüros bereits mindestens zwei Jahre bestehen.

Dies betrifft neu gegründete Repräsentanzen. Bestehende Repräsentanzen sind nur dann von dieser Regelung betroffen, wenn eine Änderung des Besitzverhältnisses durch die Muttergesellschaft (etwa im Falle einer Übernahme oder Fusion) zustande kommt, wodurch eine Neugründung der Repräsentanz erforderlich wird.

(5) Ein Existenzbeweis der Muttergesellschaft muss fortan jährlich erbracht werden.

Wenn die Betriebsgenehmigung einer Repräsentanz erneuert oder der Name der Repräsentanz geändert werden soll, muss ein legalisierter Existenznachweis der Muttergesellschaft im Herkunftsland erbracht werden.

 Was kann MKT für Sie tun?

 1. Wenn Sie Ihre Repräsentanz wie gehabt weiterführen wollen:

 Mit unserem Annual Corporate Service Package kümmern wir uns um die rechtzeitige und korrekte Erledigung aller jährlich anfallenden Zertifizierungen und Genehmigungen. Wir nehmen Ihnen den Mehraufwand an Verwaltungsarbeit ab, entlasten dadurch Ihre Mitarbeiter und vermeiden mögliche Verstöße gegen die verschärften Regulierungen.

2. Wenn Sie Ihre Repräsentanz zur WFOE „aufwerten“ wollen:

MKT leitet und begleitet Sie durch den Gründungsprozess einer 100%igen Tochtergesellschaft – ausgerichtet auf Ihre spezifischen Zielvorgaben und Anforderungen und unter Optimierung Ihrer Investitionsstruktur.

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MKT wickelt die Schließung Ihrer Repräsentanz ab, wozu wir mit den involvierten Behörden die notwendigen Schritte koordinieren und die notwendigen Abschlussberichte für Buchhaltung und Steuerprüfung vorbereiten.

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Unsere Buchhaltungs- und Finanzabteilung kann Sie ebenso bei der monatlichen Buchführung begleiten, Unterstützung bei der Quartalskontrolle anbieten, sowie die Vorbereitung der jährlichen Wirtschaftsprüfung übernehmen. Wir erarbeiten gerne ein integriertes Servicepaket für Sie, das auf Ihre spezifischen Bedürfnisse zugeschnitten ist.

Shanghai, China and EXPO 2010

China has a population of 1.3 billion and covers an area of 9.6 million km², making it the world’s most populous and third-largest country. Although it is still classed as a newly industrialised country, it has the fourth-largest economy in the world, ahead of France and the UK. The pragmatism of the Chinese government in a flexible regime known as “socialism with Chinese characteristics” is resulting in rapid economic growth.

Approximately 36 per cent of the Chinese population live in towns and cities, which is lower than the worldwide average (an estimated 55 per cent in 2010). However, China has over 170 cities with a population of 1 million or more, and seven cities with over 10 million inhabitants.

One of the factors that led to the incredibly rapid growth of Shanghai was its location at the delta of the Yangtze River, the longest and busiest river in China. Shanghai now has the world’s third-largest harbour and China’s most important stock exchange. The Transrapid rail link between the international airport and the district of Pudong is the only commercially used maglev train connection in the world.

Shanghai’s Pudong district on the banks of the Huangpu River, with the city’s main landmark, the Pearl Tower Shanghai, a city of superlatives, is playing a pioneering role in China’s development. Its name translates as “city above the sea”, and with over 18 million inhabitants it’s one of the ten largest cities in the world. Shanghai is today the largest and most important centre of industry in China, but in the middle of the last century it was still a sleepy fishing village.

Major improvements will be made to Shanghai’s infrastructure in the run-up to EXPO 2010. Six new light railway lines with 200 new stops will be opened, the expansion of the road network is continuing, around 400 hotels will be renovated and a further 300 are to be built.

The World Exhibition 2010 Shanghai in China

Lasting from May 1st to Oct 31st 2010, the Shanghai World Expo will be the biggest event in its history, with 192 countries and 50 International organizations having confirmed participation. 70 million visitors are expected from both inland and abroad to attend this world event. More than 20,000 cultural shows will be held during the Expo.

Themed Better City, Better Life, the 2010 World Expo Shanghai conveys a common wish of mankind for a better future and better city life. This is a unique opportunity for you to come to Shanghai and enjoy all the Discoveries and Excitement that the World Expo will bring along. This is your chance to experience unforgettable moments and go back home with wonderful memories!

The EXPO 2010 Universal World Exhibition, from 1 May to 31 October 2010, will take place on a 5.28 km² site spread across both sides of the Huangpu River in the gigantic metropolis that is Shanghai.

China is the second Asian country, after Japan (EXPO 2005 in Aichi), to stage a world exhibition in the 21st century.

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Skyline of modern Shanghai – host of EXPO 2010 Based on the country’s size and its self-image, the People’s Republic of China is expecting the largest world fair ever, with 70 million visitors and at least 240 participants. That participant figure has already been achieved – with over 240 countries (including Germany and its neighbours) and international organisations such as the Red Cross and the United Nations now signed up.

Even though most of the visitors are expected to come from China, an international opinion research institute commissioned by the EXPO organisers has found that approximately five per cent of the guests are likely to come from abroad. That would equal 3.5 million people.

The organisers of EXPO 2010 Shanghai have chosen “Better City, Better Life” as the theme of the event. As well as reflecting people’s wish for a better life in the cities of the future, the slogan is intended as a call for strategies for sustainable, integrated urban development. While only two per cent of the global population lived in cities in the year 1800, the figure has risen to over 50 per cent today and is forecast to increase.

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Shanghai – The “Bund” promenade; over 13 million people live in the city In China alone, there are 175 cities with a population in excess of one million, in fact seven of them have more than 10 million inhabitants! By way of comparison, North America has 46 cities with over one million inhabitants and there are only 60 such cities in the whole of Europe. So the theme is an obvious choice for a world fair in China and a good decision on the part of the organisers. The Chinese organisers will join the participants and visitors on a quest for the ideal “city of harmony”. With its “balancity”, a city in balance, Germany’s pavilion design ties in well with this quest.

 In search of the harmonic city

“Better City, Better Life” – EXPO 2010 will set out to find solutions to the problems of urban life In the regulations concerning the EXPO theme, the Chinese organisers explicitly specify the following five sub-themes, which are reflected in the overall idea of “Better City, Better Life” and serve as the basis for participants’ contributions:

•    Blending of diverse cultures in the city

•    Economic prosperity in the city 

•    Innovation of science and technology in the city 

•    Remodelling of communities in the city 

•    Interaction between cities and villages

The EXPO site

The EXPO site, straddling both banks of the Huangpu River, in November 2007 A 5.28 km² exhibition area has been set aside for the EXPO park and the national pavilions, right in the middle of the mega-city of Shanghai, not far from the city’s old and new centres. Visitors will be able to stroll around the site on both sides of the Huangpu River and enjoy the view of the water and the “Bund” promenade.

Model of the city in the Urban Planning Exhibition Centre The EXPO site is divided into five zones: three on the eastern bank of the river (in the Pudong district with the famous skyline of modern Shanghai) and two on the western bank (in the Puxi district), closer to the old city centre. The two sides will be joined by bridges and tunnels for cars and underground trains. Foot-passenger ferry services across the river are also planned.

Construction work at the EXPO site began in August 2006. Many of the former industrial facilities located at the site have now been demolished to make way for the future pavilions. Some of them, however, will remain in place so that they can be used as exhibition halls in the EXPO Park and become “hallmarks” of the World Fair.

A number of the buildings are to remain in use after the EXPO has closed. It has already been decided, for example, that the congress centre and the Chinese Pavilion will not be torn down after the event. The EXPO site itself is planned to be used as a park within a recreational area, becoming Shanghai’s first “green lung”.

Strongly privileged by our company’s advantageous location and its 25 years of experience in the marketing industry, we feel quite confident and honored to deliver you our high quality services at unbeatable prices.

Internet marketing service gets recognition

TV audience will always change channels during the lengthy commercial break, so, how on earth could the internet make people accept commercial information willingly? Internet marketing expert Liu Dongming has once stated that China’s internet marketing was lack of various modes, but now, things are changing silently.
“Suddenly, internet ads become not so hateful.” Bian Zeheng, 28, working in Beijing, is a loyal user of online video and usually enjoys music video on major video websites. She said, “One year ago, when I watched online videos, I had to spend 10-odd minutes on waiting for the cinema advertising to pass, but now, on most online video websites, only when you pause the video will the ad appear.”
More importantly, thanks to the rapid development of internet technologies, the value of internet marketing is now improving, so users can have comparatively good using experience and accept the internet marketing in an undisturbed condition.” On the other hand, enterprises could evaluate their products and the future purchasing trend of consumers with new marketing methods like internet survey and online data analysis. Because of the huge cost advantage compared with the traditional offline methods, these new marketing methods become popular with more and more enterprises.
Large companies: Online marketing is still making progress
The “online torch relay” jointly launched by Coca Cola and Tencent was seen as one of the most successful internet marketing cases. Once the user won the qualification of online torch relay, an unlightened icon will appear beside their QQ faces. If they successfully invited other users to participate in the activity, the icon will be lightened. In a short period of 40 days since March 2008, the activity attracted 40 million people to attend, 120,000 people per second in average.
Same with Coca Cola, the internet marketing has now become the new battle field of brand development of many large companies. Compared with the single product sales, they prefer to improve their brand reputation and realize long-lasting customer relationship with internet transmission methods. Considering that in the Chinese netizen age structure, people from 18 to 24 take up the largest proportion (till the end of June 2008, and the proportion is 30.3 percent), creativity and interactivity have become the key words of the internet marketing implementation of large companies. They carry out product placement marketing with games and videos, or interactive marketing with community websites.
On the other hand, for large companies, internet marketing is now becoming their new source of commercial data. Guerlain, Lancome and other top cosmetics websites got a large amount of key data like consumers’ region distribution and income level by means of lucky draw of trial products, P&G got data analysis the consumers’ purchasing of high-end consumables through Taobao, and Philips and Google cooperated in the first trial of integrated marketing in China. Lu Fang, Senior Marketing Manager of Philips (the Greater China) stated that the free website analyzing tool of Google could provide detailed data for companies, help them know the activities on and demands for their websites, including the pages from which the users log on Philips’ website and on which they log off, or on which they stay for a longest time. With these data, Philips can clearly know the interest concentration of customers and conduct consequent adjustment and control.
Small companies: Make every cent count
Two years ago, clients in the customer database of Shandong Qingzhou Weijin Stainless Steel Equipment Co., Ltd., were mostly from the North China, without even one from the South China. While in 2008, the largest order of this company was from Japan. The General Manager Ren Xinguo stated that the rapid business development was closely related with the promotion on the platform of Baidu. “Traditional methods are seriously restricted by region and time, while for SMEs, it is very important to choose the quickest and most effective marketing method.”
Compared with large companies, SMEs like Weijin Stainless Steel Equipment Co., Ltd. pay more attention to the effect and return rate of the internet marketing. They quite need to spend the cost on places which can best present its value through right choice, precise match and control and management with emphasis on effect. President Dai Lvxian of Guangdong Marketing Academy pointed out that in order to help SMEs deal with the impact of the international financial crisis, the internet marketing innovation had become the key promotion project of the SME department of Guangdong province in 2009.
For a long time, the internet marketing method of the Chinese SMEs is restricted to be the application of search engine, while with the deepening of their knowledge of the internet marketing, they pay more attention to the analysis, optimization, and improvement of ad effects, and the optimization of their websites with various analyzing tools.

In the meantime, these SMEs incapable of ad launch on large portals have begun to carry out oriented public-praise marketing, like blog marketing, with the interactivity of the internet. By the end of 2008, the total number o blogs in China has reach 107 million. Experts stated that with the present search engine weight advantage of the blog providers, the useful information issued by SMEs can accept a great deal of attention of the numerous users more easily, and the probability of directly bring potential users also increases rapidly.

By Chen Jing

Port of Hamburg strengthens its marketing activities in China

China is still one of the most powerful trading nations of the world. With a volume of around 2.3 million TEUs (20 foot standard containers), it remains Hamburg’s most important trading partner for sea freight and container transport.

Port of Hamburg Marketing Association, the marketing organisation of Hamburg’s port transport industry and of Hamburg’s partner ports on the Elbe and in the region, is again this year emphasising the importance of the Chinese market with its planned attendance at two major trade fairs – transport logistic China in Shanghai and the China (Shenzhen) International Logistics and Transportation Fair 2010. At these events member companies will have copious opportunities of presenting themselves on the shared Port of Hamburg Marketing stand. Port of Hamburg Marketing is also organising special customer events and market research projects, and plans to attend several conferences in the course of the year, while its active representative offices in Hong Kong und Shanghai will be intensifying their marketing efforts in the region.

Only recently Port of Hamburg Marketing featured, along with companies from Hamburg and the Hamburg region, at the China International Logistics and Transportation Fair 2009 in Shenzhen, an event attended (according to statistics from the Shenzhen Logistics and Supply Chain Management Association) by more than 67,500 trade visitors. On the occasion of a forum on Macro Economy & Industrial Development, Port of Hamburg Marketing Chairwoman Claudia Roller spoke about recent developments in the port and its infrastructure and described the seaport to hinterland services that Hamburg offers.

The shared stand organised by Port of Hamburg Marketing was successfully used by numerous exhibitors as a platform for forging new business contacts and fostering existing customer relations.

Chairwoman Claudia Roller was delighted at the altogether positive response of those attending the event. She expressed particular satisfaction at the fact that more than 70 guests accepted the invitation to the reception at the Port of Hamburg stand. ‘In the three days of the trade fair we had more visitors to the shared Port of Hamburg stand than last year,’ she emphasised. ‘The Port of Hamburg is a well established brand in China and enjoys a very positive image for the versatility and quality of its services. For Chinese customers Hamburg’s warehousing and distribution logistics services, along with its excellent rail and feeder transport network and the many regular services between China and Germany’s biggest universal port, constitute decisive advantages. Now we must build on these strengths and put them across to the market with a well diversified range of publicity measures,’ Ms Roller concluded. Under the shared Port of Hamburg banner, the following companies took part in the Shenzhen event as an advertisement for the efficiency and flexibility of Hamburg and the Hamburg region: Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH, Buss, Eurogate GmbH & Co. KgaA KG, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), TCI International Logistics GmbH and TCO Transcargo GmbH.

On the occasion of the WORLD EXPO 2010, to be held from 1 May to 31 October this year, Hamburg’s partner city and port Shanghai will be the focus of numerous Hamburg events. In keeping with the EXPO motto, ‘Better City – Better Life’, the City of Hamburg will be presenting a passive house that meets the most ambitious standards of environmental technology, putting itself across to the Chinese public as an innovative maritime metropolis with a high quality of life. Further details about the Hamburg House can be found at http://expo2010.hamburg.de or http://en.expo2010.cn.

China will also be featuring in Hamburg itself this year. From 9 to 25 September 2010 CHINA TIME Hamburg will be taking place for the third time – an event at which the Free and Hanseatic City showcases its unrivalled qualifications as a Chinese trading partner. Detailed information on the programme of this event may be found at www.chinatimehamburg.de.

Chinese industry is picking up again. Since the first quarter of 2009 the economic output of the People’s Republic has been rising once more; Chinese industrial production has also been increasing since the middle of the year. With its nine million inhabitants, the city of Shenzhen is situated in Guangdong, China’s most industrially powerful province. The leading position of Guangdong is owing above all to its geographical position. The southern part of the province is divided in two by the Pearl River, the delta of which is a major export region for China, with a dominant industry principally geared to exports. This is one of the world’s biggest manufacturing regions for computers and computer parts, domestic entertainment and household electronics, lamps and lighting and telecommunications products. Other important industries are clothing and textiles, furniture, plastics and toys.

Along with the neighbouring ports of Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Shenzhen is one of the biggest ports in China for container shipments. Close to 60 million TEUs were handled at the port in the year 2009.

CIBTM – China Marketing / Advertising Conference China

Meet with over 200 leading suppliers to the meetings industry gathered from China, Asia and countries around the world to deliver a truly global marketplace. Attendees at CIBTM benefit from the opportunity to meet with existing suppliers, network with industry colleagues, participate in the CIBTM Professional Education Programme, experience China, an exciting and developing meeting destination and discover opportunities for new business.

Venue: 

China National Convention Center,
Beijing, China

Your Website in Chinese

MKT  is here to help you with online marketing and web design for your website.  You tell us the goals you want to reach with your website and we’ll give you honest input to lead you on the right path to success.  

We specialize in web design and online marketing, especially search engine optimization, for websites targeting the Chinese market. 

We help you with online marketing and web design for your website.  You tell us the goals you want to reach with your website and we’ll give you honest input to lead you on the right path to success.  

We specialize in web design and online marketing, especially search engine optimization, for websites targeting the Chinese market.  Helping you to develop your website is not just about making a webpage that’s nice to look at.  We like to focus on the ‘brains’ of your website too, which means making it search-engine and user friendly so that people are directed to your website for the products and/or services your website offers. 

We offer crucial web design and marketing advice specific to your market sector while maintaining focus on the Chinese culture and preferences.  This step is especially important since the success of your online webpage is incumbent upon your ability to make your products and or services attractive to customers in the Chinese market.       

After we have created your website, we can establish links and advertisement on our own existing online portals about China – mkt-china.com (more than 150,000 visitors per month) – to your website, offering you a strong initial marketing platform from which your website can grow.

We build up multi-language websites and you can choose to have your website in Chinese, English, German or any other language, which is important to reach your target group.

Living Expenses in China

For a two-semester stay in China, you will need at least EUR 5000 plus enough to cover tuition fees; this is a conservative estimate. If you intend to travel during the holidays, of course, you will need a correspondingly greater amount of money available. Many students use the winter holidays for a trip to the south provinces, for example Yunnan.

Plane Ticket

The cheapest option is definitely a ticket valid for one year, that means, the return flight must occur within one year of departure. Normally, you book a specific return date, but for a fee the date can later be changed. Even those planning long stays should under no circumstances buy a one-way ticket intending to buy a return ticket while in China, because international flights are considerably more expensive there than in Europe. A ticket for one year costs about EUR 700.

Tuition Fees in China

Scholarship students (e.g. of the German Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst, the American Fulbright program, etc.) and those who participate in programs through their home universities normally need not concern themselves with tuition. Students arranging their own financing will have to pay an application fee of about USD 100 (Peking University) plus tuition, which run to USD 3200 – 3700 per year; other, less renowned schools are cheaper. Most universities have an English webpage where such information can be found.

Chinese Dormitories

Prices for a dorm room vary and have grown more expensive at most universities over the last few years. This is because many dorm buildings have been modernized for foreign students. A double-occupancy room without adjoining shower/toilet costs between USD 3.5 and USD 6 per night. Single rooms with facilities are USD 10 and higher per night. Getting your own apartment Particularly for extended stays, it’s worthwhile to rent your own apartment. Aside from getting your very own room, bathroom, and kitchen, the rent is often less expensive than you would pay in the dorms: monthly rent for a Chinese apartment amounts to about EUR 100, somewhat more in large cities such as Beijing or Shanghai.

Note the following:

• In many cases 3 – 6 months’ rent must be paid in advance
• A deposit of one month’s rent is required.
• When moving out, don’t give in too easily if the landlord, for whatever reason, wants to keep part or all of the deposit
• Renters should take care to ascertain that their dwelling is legal. Normally, the renter and landlord go together to register with the police

Standard of Living

It’s possible to save a lot on this front. Most students eat out every day because there is often no suitable kitchen in the dormitory; a cheap restaurant meal starts at one euro and up. As a student you can comfortably survive on EUR 150 a month, as long as you buy only essentials and don’t go out to western bars too often. If you’ve had different experiences or can contribute other suggestions about this topic, please send your comments.