When in HONG KONG &MACAU…

Be careful of aggressive old ladies in queues, warns GLEN WATSON, in his glossary of these two Pearl-River-Delta cities’ do’s and don’ts

HONG KONG AND MACAU WERE hard hit by the economic downturn, but these thriving cities provide opportunities to make money hand over fist and both appear to be well on their way to recovery. Hong Kong is fast and efficient, a financial powerhouse and on the cutting-edge.

It’s seen as the gateway to China and the so-called world’s factory. In Macau, where fax machines seem to outnumber email addresses, the story is a little different.

It’s more of a business playground with a slightly dark underside. China is putting some limits around of the number of gamblers allowed in from the mainland, which is affecting casinos’ bottom lines.

Introductions: Despite the concerns over influenza, handshakes are more common than facemasks. Be prepared to have business cards thrust at you; the polite form is to receive them with both hands, using your thumbs and forefingers only. Then offer your card in the same manner.

Attire: Formal business wear is a good definition, and suits are widespread. Some men may throw on a jacket and tie when riding up the lift before a big meeting.

Appointments: Can be made any time and anywhere, in the office or at a coffee shop, restaurant, bar, etc. Morning meetings are best, as there’s less chance they’ll be cancelled.

Hierarchy: Titles tend to be inflated, especially for managers. Age and experience often win out in the boardroom, much to the chagrin of young guns with fresh MBAs. Women outnumber men, so businesswomen with power are not uncommon.

Gifts: Because of the strict anti-corruption laws, use caution with gifts. A little something from your home country, a bottle of duty free whisky or cognac, wall plaques, certificates of appreciation and so on will likely be well received. During Chinese New Year, bosses and those who are married hand out red envelopes containing cash, however, bribery is a serious offence.

Avoid: Ranting about the evils of communism is not wise but China-bashing is common, especially by Hong Kong Chinese. It’s best not to take part.

Physical: There’s very little personal space, especially in lifts and when using public transport. People tend to ignore others around them and aggressive old ladies will always jump queues forcefully.

Religion: Religious freedom is guaranteed. Falun Gong followers are allowed to protest in certain public areas, even though they are banned on mainland China.

Politics: There is a lot of discussion about democracy and universal suffrage in 2012, if not sooner. Right now, the chief executive is selected by a committee of 800 people and approved by Beijing.

City Transport: Cars drive on the left side of the street, as they do in Britain. In China, they drive on the right. Taxis are quite cheap and the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) subway system is excellent. Limousines, hire cars or vans with drivers can be easily arranged.

Dates: The handover anniversary is 1 July and China National Day is 1 October. Chinese New Year is mid-February in 2010 (the date changes annually).

Seasons: The summer months from May to September are humid and hot, with temperatures hitting 35C and more. October to November and February to March are the best months to visit. The coldest it gets is about 10C in January. Summer typhoons are common and businesses will close when the storm signal climbs from T1 to T8 or more. www.hko.hk

Electricity: Voltage is 220, usually via three-prong rectangular plugs (UK). Twoand three-prong round plugs are common.

Mobile: You can pick up a local SIM card for your phone at one of the many telecoms shops dotted around commercial areas.

Emergency: Dial 999 for fire, ambulance, police or other emergency services.

Visas: Most nationalities will receive a visitor’s visa upon arrival that’s good for 90 days. Work visas are required for those wishing to live and work in Hong Kong or Macau. www.immd.gov.hk www.fsm.gov.mo

On Brand
Design Bridge’s Mark Budden on Giordano

Founded by textile factory worker Jimmy Lai, Giordano’s vision is to be the biggest and best global clothing brand, and it’s well on its way to reaching that goal with over 1,900 stores in 30 markets. Though a truly Asian brand, Giordano has carved out a niche by providing its consumer base with a funky western retail experience, rivalling The Gap or H&M, but at reasonable prices. However, growing competition from Japanese affordable fashionista Uniqlo, means they will have to stay that little more trend savvy to stay ahead.

Brand diversity appears to have worked for Giordano, splitting their offering into specific platforms for women, teens and children, but staying true to their key brand principles and simplistic, monotonic retail environments.

Lai sold out in the ’90s, leaving Giordano to continue its global spread. With Europe’s thirst for fashion forward, affordable brands, the ‘gap’ is closing. Watch this space.