Amway was the first company to be re-licensed under these rules. Our business is again growing and we now operate in more than 20 provinces and four direct municipalities in China. Although this was a difficult challenge, we came away from it with greater respect for and a better understanding of the Chinese government. The government demonstrated that it would respond to the demands of both its citizens and foreign investors. Notwithstanding the sudden imposition of the ban, the process demonstrated a commitment on the part of Chinese officials to the rule of law.
Some critics portray China as a totalitarian dictatorship obsessed with control.
Our experience has given us an insight into a far more complex situation. China is striving to adapt to the modern challenges in a way that respects a complicated and conflicted history. In this context, it is possible to work with the Chinese government, provided that you do so with patience, sophistication and respect for internal political priorities. It is axiomatic that all politics is local. Our problem was resolved because the solution was consistent with internal political realities as well as the operational imperatives of direct selling companies.