Understand the country's rules and regulations
Like all laws, business regulations can differ from country to country.
Stephen Cartwright says, "There's a usual expectation that business is done the same way in all countries - it's not. There are nuances, particularly in places like China where unless you're an on-the-ground expert in how to do those things, you'll probably be caught out by something that's going on over there that you're not familiar with, and you won't really see it coming most of the time."
It's important for businesses to speak with an exporting advisor before beginning your exporting venture.
Understand the country's customs
Some countries, particularly in Asia, are very particular about interacting a certain way in business meetings. This shows respect and understanding of their customs. For example, in Japan, it's always important to pass over a business card with both hands, and if handed one, to carefully examine it before putting it in your pocket.
Start trading with our biggest trading partner
"It provides a platform for SME's to take their products or their services into the Chinese market, try it for 6 months, get all the feedback on what is working with their product or service, what's going to do well, what's not going to do well. We provide all of that guidance, all of that support, and then we open the sales channels where they're relevant," says Cartwright.
"It's a very low risk, a very low investment, and very low hassle in terms of the small or medium company in Australia - it couldn't get any easier."
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