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DOING BUSINESS OVERSEAS
This resource contains both New Zealand and international links to government and other sources which provide practical information on exporting. These links also provide background information on a number of countries, and a special section includes material on cross-cultural business etiquette. Wellington City Library resources are also highlighted.
photo of businessman doing a handstand

On this page:

Links to other business & career pages:

New Zealand resources and contacts

Government

Exporting @ BIZ
This great Business Information Zone has lots of advice for exporters, including articles and case studies, as well as links to other useful sites.
Export New Zealand
For events and courses in the Wellington region click here
Market New Zealand
Offers NZ exporters a direct channel to promote their goods and services to the world. Find out about export-related events in New Zealand and overseas, including trade fairs, trade missions and networking functions. Export Events Calendar
This site also has a very useful set of links for exporters. The Market New Zealand site is a service of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
NZ Companies Office site for doing business in Australia
A factsheet introducing the ASIC and provides advice on how to register a foreign company in Australia.
New Zealand Customs Service
Provides exporters with all the customs regulations they need to be aware of.
New Zealand Export Credit Office
The officially supported export credit agency for New Zealand. It specialises in providing support to exporters through insurance so that exporters will get paid and are able to offer finance terms to their buyers. The ECO provides support to exporting firms with growth potential and work with the private sector to provide underwriting services.
New Zealand Food Safety Authority
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
New Zealand Thinking
For information and success stories from a range of New Zealand industries.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)
This is the New Zealand government's national economic development agency. Here you will find the Exporter Education Programme which is designed to provide existing and new exporters with the skills and advice to help them grow exports. Also here is a wonderful resource: Planning for success: a do-it-yourself kit for developing your own business plan. You will also find information about the 2007 New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Export Awards. NZTE has also added a new extension to their website focusing on China and Hong Kong. It provides a range of NZTE material (speeches, country profiles, FTA information, media releases etc) specifically about China and Hong Kong.
New Zealand Trade Centre
Enables international buyers to view products that are available for export from New Zealand and is endorsed by NZTE.

Other organisations and agencies

(These are just some selected sites - look at the Market NZ site for more links)
The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand
Global-Link is a Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted site.
Kea New Zealand
Kea's mission is to connect New Zealand with its large global talent community, and contribute to the growth, development, and future prosperity of New Zealand by facilitating the sharing of knowledge, contacts and opportunities around the world.
Korea New Zealand Business Council (Wellington based)
A group of New Zealand companies, organisations and Government Agencies involved in promoting increased business, disseminating information and research between Korea and New Zealand. Includes the Council's newsletter Korea line.
Latin America New Zealand Business Council (Wellington based)
The Council promotes increased business and trade between Latin America and New Zealand companies. Details of the service, offers, members directory; business information is included.
New Zealand China Trade Association
NZCTA promotes increased business and trade between Chinese and New Zealand companies. It is based within the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The site includes information on the Business Visa Service arrangement with the New Zealand Immigration Service in Beijing.
New Zealand German Business Association
The NZGBA is the officially recognized New Zealand representative of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and exists to foster closer trading relationships between New Zealand and German companies. Includes access to the Association's newsletter Trading Opportunities, and lists upcoming trade fairs.
New Zealand Exports & Imports
This is an on-line directory of New Zealand exporters and importers issued by the UBD Division of Wilson & Horton Specialist Publications Limited. There is a search facility and links.
Trade Navigators
This is a Wellington-based network of consultants with broad ranging expertise in international trade development and is supported by Grow Wellington

Articles, reports, newstories

Bell Gully's beginner's guide to export contracts
Business tools making exporting easier
Author: Young, Simon
Source: iStart : e-business in action, Quarter Two 2007;p.12-14
Abstract : Looks at how New Zealand exporters are using a variety of electronic business system to enable them to work internationally as efficiently as working within New Zealand.
A creative approach
Author: Coleman, Deirdre
Source: Bright, Sep/Oct 2007; n.24:pp16-19
Abstract: Talks to three creative companies who have used technology and New Zealand's geographical isolation to success on the international market.
Entering the Middle Kingdom
Author: South, Gill
Source: Unlimited, Jul 2008; n.106:pp54-55
Abstract: Marketers already working in China, offer advice to anyone considering doing business in China.
Export barriers a concern for Kiwi high tech companies 27 October 06
A helping hand
Author: Rotherham, Fiona
Source: Unlimited, Aug 2008; n.107: pp 12-13
Abstract: This is an interview with David Mahon, chairperson for the new China Beachheads Advisory Board (NZTE). He has lived in Beijing for 25 years and is well placed to give advice to NZ companies wishing to enter China.
Value in the direct approach
Author: Herbert, Kris
Source: Bright, Jan/Feb 2008; n.26: pp 34-37
Abstract: This article discusses how businesses in the export market can put direct-to-customer selling to good use in trying to break into new markets.

The articles below which have links are from the EBSCO database, part of mygateway.info and can be accessed fulltext online. If you have not accessed Ebsco within the last thirty days, you need to login here first.

Attitudes, preconceptions and possum socks
Authors: Bicknell, Peter
Source: NZ Business; Apr2007, Vol. 21 Issue 3, p24-25, 2p
Abstract: The author who is based in Beijing looks at some of the misconceptions that New Zealanders may have about doing business with China.
CHINESE Connections
Author: Le Pla, Ruth
Source: New Zealand Management; Feb2007, Vol. 54 Issue 1, pp 38-42
Abstract: This is a very useful article, which draws some of its findings from interviews with international CEO's, but also draws on the experience of New Zealand companies who have had long term business dealings in China, including ANZ and the Warehouse.
Title: Cracking the Middle East
Authors: Nims, Lori
Source: NZ Business; Dec2007/Jan2008, Vol. 21 Issue 11, p74-74, 3/4p
Looks at business opportunities for New Zealand companies in the Middle East. Exporters at a seminar organised by Foreign Affairs and Export NZ were told how they could best approach getting established here, which includes getting a good local agent.
Making the French connection
Author: Donald, Linda
Source: NZ Business; Jul2008, Vol. 22 Issue 6, pp 34-36
Abstract: Discusses how Kiwi exporters can enter the French Market. Provides tips and talks with the New Zealand Trade Commissioner to France, Ariane Gonzales.
New Zealand Inc
Authors: Donaldson, Rachel Helyer
Source: Marketing Magazine, Oct 2006; v.25 n.9 pp 12-22 (also available Central library)
Abstract: This article discusses what is required of New Zealand exporters seeking to successfully market their products internationally. Also discussed is the NZTE's "NZ New Thinking" campaign.
The primacy of exporting
Author: O'Reilly, Phil
Source: NZ Business; Sep2008, Vol. 22 Issue 8, p 98
Abstract: In this editorial, Phil O'Reilly, the Chief Executive of Business NZ, outlines his thoughts on exporting, and discusses the failure of the Doha Round.
Time for cool heads
Author: Kevany, Kevin
Source: NZ Business, Jun 2008; v.22 n.5: pp 61-64
Abstract: This timely article looks at future prospects for small NZ exporters taking into account the global credit crisis. It includes advice from export consultant Simon Fawkes.

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International links - doing business in other countries
Doing Business
This World Bank site provides indicators of the cost of doing business in various countries. There are country specific reports and 155 printable country data profiles. Economies can also be compared.
Doing business in other countries
Useful guide intended for staff of HLB International on doing business in a large number of countries. It is designed to give some general information and is not intended to be a comprehensive document.
The following links are part of a US Commercial Service series on doing business in other countries. Although the series is geared to US businesses, it is very up-to-date and chapters in most reports include:
  • Political and economic environment
  • Trade regulations and standards
  • Contacts, market research, and trade events
  • Investment climate
  • Business travel
(Note: These pdf documents are quite large and may take some time to open)
Doing business in Australia
Doing Business in Japan
Doing Business in Malaysia
Doing Business in Taiwan
Doing business in Thailand
Doing Business in Vietnam
Doing business in the U.K.

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
TSNN.com - The Ultimate Event Resource
Reputedly one of the leading online resources for the trade show, exhibition and event industry, the site contains data on more than 15,000 trade shows, exhibitions, public events and conferences. Free registration required to view trade show details.
GlobalEDGE Country Insights
Current information on the business climate, news, history, political structure, economic landscape, and relevant statistical data are provided in a region and country-specific format, covering 197 countries. A rich collection of country and region specific international business links adds to the vast collection of information.
IMF country information
International Trade / Export-Import Portal - Find trade leads, web resources, trade events and more. It is the official website of the Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) and has links to over 3,000 international trade Web sites. The site aims to provide the most content-rich international trade site and to provide a comprehensive global trade shop featuring goods and services needed by those involved in international trade.
Portals to the World
Selective links providing authoritative, in-depth information arranged by country or area with the links for each sorted into a wide range of broad categories. The links were selected by Area Specialists and other Library staff using Library of Congress selection criteria.
SINGOV
This website serves as a great starting point for anyone keen to learn about various government branches and agencies, as well as acting as an important resource for people seeking to do business there.


Directories/yearbooks/encyclopedias
New Zealand export and trade handbook
Find on the shelf at: (NZ directory) Business Directory 02NZ06 2006
- link to contents pages
Europa world year book
Find on the shelf at: 909.82 EUR (reference only Central Library 2nd floor).
Each country is covered by an individual chapter containing: A unique introductory survey covering recent history; economic affairs; government; defence; education; and public holidays. All includes extensive statistical data across many industries as well as a comprehensive directory listing names, addresses, email and internet address for government, chambers of commerce, industrial and trade associations etc.
The Statesman's year-book.
Find on the shelf at: (held Central Library 1st floor)
A brief but thorough introduction to each of the countries of the world. Detailed data on currency, industry, and trade is included. (Annual)
Exporters' encyclopaedia
Find on the shelf at: (Central Library 1st floor).
Latest copy only held. It is updated by the Factfile. This is full of practical information on doing business internationally.

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Business etiquette/cultural awareness
web resources | library resources

web resources

Business etiquette and manners
The Web's leading resource for international business etiquette and manners. The site provides cultural information for a number of different countries around the world. It rates each country using Hofstede's 5 key indicators of culture: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, individualism, and long-term orientation

library resources

books

Syndetics book jacket Cultural intelligence: people skills for global business / Thomas, David C.
Amazon book jacket How to negotiate anything with anyone anywhere around the world / Frank L. Acuff.
Syndetics book jacket Managing cultural differences: global leadership strategies for the 21st century /Harris, Philip R .
Essentials of international management: a cross-cultural perspective / David C. Thomas.
Global English for global business : Use English that your international clients can understand, and communicate successfully with people all over the world / McAlpine, Rachel.
Marketing across cultures / Trompenaars, Alfons.
Understanding China : building bridges for business success / Ed Weymes.
Vietnam today : a guide to a nation at a crossroads / Mark A. Ashwill with Thai Ngoc Diep.
When in Rome or Rio or Riyadh--: cultural q & a's for successful business behavior around the world / Gwyneth Olofsson.

articles


--international


How to avoid a print faux pas
Author: Gardner, Joanne
Source: PrintWeek; 27 March 2008 pp 24-25
This short article takes a lighthearted look cross-cultural business etiquette and gives advice on how to avoid making embarrassing mistakes. It includes quick tips for China, Germany and Italy amongst other countries.
Top 10 ways to avoid trouble in China
Author: Revis, Ted
Source: Directors & Boards; 2008 1st Quarter, Vol. 32 Issue 2, pp26-27
Abstract: The author, as Founder and President of the Norelli Group had a vast amount of experience in doing business in China. He lists 10 points to keep in mind when conducting business in China, and outlines the intricacies of eastern business manners.
Gift symbolism in international business
Authors: Dumbrava, Gabriela, Koronka, Adriana
Source:Annals of the University of Petrosani Economics; 2007, Vol. 7, pp133-140
Abstract: This informative and meaty article focuses on the various differences in international cross-cultural business “gift giving”. The symbolism of several categories of gifts is discussed, and several examples are given of appropriate and inappropriate gifts for different cultures.
Headed for china? cultural considerations
Author: Winters, Elaine
Source: MultiLingual; Jan/Feb2007, Vol. 18 Issue 1, Special section pp11-12
Abstract: This is another useful article on how to successfully conduct business in China, taking into account the key concepts and values in Chinese culture.

--New Zealand


Culture decoded
Author: Watson, Bill
Source: NZ Business, Sep 2006; v.20 n.8:p.67
Abstract: Focuses on the importance to show genuine respect for the host culture's customs and traditions when carrying out international business negotiations. This is particularly important with regard to Asian cultures.
The Asian connection
Author: Janes, Andrew
Source: Press 29 Apr 2006; p.E1
Abstract: Brokes the argument that New Zealand businesses are not utilising the knowledge of the local Asian community for conducting business relationships in Asian markets. Talks to a number of people including the AsiaNZ Foundation director John Austin.

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Last updated 16 January 2009

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