Travelling in China on business is always stimulating, not just because it usually entails working on new products which is one of the most interesting parts of our business, but also absorbing all the changes going on in China. I first came to China on business in 1993 and have seen substantive change over that time. While there were many challenges as China emerged as a major manufacturing force in the 80s and 90s, today there are challenges anew, and I think that in many ways working in China is as difficult as ever. The changes in employment legislation, the retention of workers, the exchange rate, protection of IP etc have all contributed to making it that much tougher.
On the plus side, transport links are improving rapidly, and the train network in particular makes travelling between factories much more enjoyable and less stressful. I’d always choose train over car or even plane if there was the choice. The train terminals are vast, as big as several football pitches, usually laid with huge ceramic tiles – now that’s clearly a good business to be in. The trains invariably run on time, are comfortable, and seats are all reserved so no fighting for a space to sit. There is even a drinks trolley, useful if you didn’t manage to get a Starbucks in the terminal.
Even air travel links are improving, although being stuck on the tarmac at Xiamen for 4 hours and hence missing the Hong Kong connection home was not a highlight…