What I Learned from My Recent Trip to China

A month ago, I had the unique opportunity to embark on a business trip to China. Interestingly, this had nothing to do with my regular 8 AM–5 PM job as a Digital/IT Business Partner. Instead, I collaborated with a close friend, a successful entrepreneur in the heavy industries and metalworking sector.

Over the years, I’ve assisted him with managerial and IT projects for his companies. Recently, after an 8-year gap, he invited me to join him and a Middle Eastern businessman to explore steel and metal machine manufacturers across mainland China.

In just five days, we visited five cities—a whirlwind adventure that offered not just business insights but also a fresh cultural experience. The contrast to my last visit to China in 2009 was striking. While I had been impressed by the blend of culture, economic growth, and talent back then, what I witnessed this time was staggering progress.

The sheer scale of development—both in terms of the companies, ranging from traditional state-owned enterprises to vibrant startups led by brilliant young entrepreneurs—was awe-inspiring. These new companies not only excel in engineering but are also driven by forward-thinking, global-minded leadership.

Beyond business, I was amazed at the modern infrastructure. Clean, orderly streets, quiet neighborhoods powered by electric vehicles (including 100% of taxis and 80% of scooters), and high-speed trains running at 300 km/h with incredible precision showed the country’s technological leap.

Yet, amidst all this modernization, the fundamentals of doing business remained unchanged:

• Guanxi (Relationships): Building strong personal connections is crucial for securing opportunities.
• Respect for Hierarchy: Always address people by their titles and respect seniority.
• Communication Style: Conversations are often indirect, with an emphasis on relationship-building rather than direct contract negotiations.

This trip was a powerful reminder of China’s dynamic evolution and the importance of cultural nuances in global business.