Tips for Canadian youth wanting to do business in Asia

The way a person hands out her business card could make or break a deal for novices in an Asian country. For example, in Japan, you should hand over your card with both hands and never pass things from the left.

This tip was one piece of free advice offered by June Domokos, the Vice-President (international markets) of the Export Development Corporation, to young people interested in doing business in Asia.

June was on hand at the 1997 ConfÈrence de MontrÈal: Asia Pacific and explained that every country has its own particular customs which must be researched beforehand in order to avoid embarassment and/or misunderstanding. Just because you may be acting politely in "Canadian terms" does not mean people in Asian countries will always be impressed.

Other key issues for youth include ensuring that they get their name out there and are able to access necessary financing. Different federal, provincial and municipal departments have programs set up to help interested young people start up their own businesses.

If you are a keener, call up the Business Development Bank of Canada and/or Human Resources Development Canada and see what types of programs are available to help you start up your own business in Canada and/or Asia. Both federal departments are available to help small and medium-sized enterprises.

June encourages all start-up business people to focus their efforts by picking countries to which they can export. In this way, they can learn about different country's customs and business practices one by one as well as increase their chances for success.

To avoid any cultural missteps, why not call the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and speak with the relevant Country desk officer. Ask them for a copy of their etiquette tips or better yet look it up on the Internet.

 

Check out some bite-sized facts from June

SME | Description | Agenda | Issues | Youth Report

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