It is essential for prospective exporters, importers, or investors to establish and maintain close personal relations with their Chinese counterparts. The Chinese are quite formal and place a premium on the display of good manners. They are keenly aware of status and title, and elders are always accorded utmost respect. Avoid aggressive behavior, as the Chinese highly value reserve and modesty. Businessmen tend to be punctual for meetings, if not slightly early, and well organized.
Scheduled appointments are necessary.
Given the cultural emphasis on status, filing into a meeting room in order of rank can avoid a misinterpretation of who is in charge. When entering a room or an automobile, always allow your host to go first. Comprehensive working agendas and itineraries are preferred. Follow any pre-set agenda closely, as the Chinese do not appreciate spontaneity, especially when foreign exchange is at stake. Determinations are made only after careful review, so be prepared to wait for decisions.