E-Government in China Soon to Be a Reality

Without question, the world is a big place. However, with the constant development of information technology, the world seems to get smaller all the time.

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E-Government in China Soon to Be a Reality

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Without question, the world is a big place. However, with the constant development of information technology, the world seems to get smaller all the time.

One example is the work of China Expert Technology Inc. (OTC BB:CXTI.OB), a company that builds network infrastructure and provides e-government services for community and municipal governments in China and Hong Kong.

Analysts predict that China's e-government systems market will reach $6.6 billion this year.

Recently, China Expert was awarded contracts worth $52.2 million to build e-government infrastructure for three cities in Fujian province: Jinjiang, Nanan and Dehua, with the final project to be completed by 2006. In fact, China Expert is the only company that has been awarded such exclusive contracts in China.

These contracts allow the company to create unified e-platforms for each of the three cities.

There are some important implications in the creation of these e-government platforms. First, they enable the government to reduce red tape and become more efficient. Currently, most of the government business in China is done face-to-face or via written communication. This makes it difficult for the average person to get information in a timely manner.

A unified e-platform will allow the public to access, on one site, information for any issues or questions about local government. Users will be able to find information on topics ranging from social security and taxes to water and agriculture. Furthermore, the e-platforms will contain databases that will allow the government to administer data regarding population, geography and economics.

These sites will also lead to more Internet use by the residents of Jinjiang, Nanan and Dehua. A recent study found that currently, only 5.2 percent of government Web sites in China are frequently used. By the end of 2005, an estimated 150 million people in China - 11 percent of the population - will use the Internet. Therefore, both the government and people of China will benefit from these centralized sites.

Finally, because the e-platforms will enable the governments of these three cities to easily exchange information, they give China Expert the potential to do new e-government projects in other cities in the Fujian province.

If such platforms can be built for 150 million users in China, could the same thing be done for cities in the United States? Imagine going to one site for all your information about everything from taxes to environmental concerns. Also, governments around the world could benefit from such technology because it allows more efficient communication from one government to another, which in turn could lead to more profitable trade and other benefits.

China: Getting Your Business Started

One would surely do everything he can in order to succeed in venturing into the industry of consumer market. The demand seems to never die especially for the necessities. The more choices the consumers have, the better the industry does. So if you want to get a kick start on making a living in the industry of consumer market, stop wasting time and let’s get started.

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China, business, trade, b2b, wholesale, business directory, China wholesaler, supplier, import export, Asian manufacturer, jewelry, clothing, free article, China trade lead, made in China, Chinese merchandise, houseware, electronic, apparel, lighting,

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One would surely do everything he can in order to succeed in venturing into the industry of consumer market. The demand seems to never die especially for the necessities. The more choices the consumers have, the better the industry does. So if you want to get a kick start on making a living in the industry of consumer market, stop wasting time and let’s get started.

Starting a business is a tough job. You’ll have to decide on which type of market you’d like to get into, after which, you’ll have to learn the ropes of the certain type of market you’ve chosen. Of course, there’s the application for a business permit, the capital to get you started and, of course, the resources of your business. There’s so much to learn about getting into business and so much to do after you really get into it. But all that hard work can easily be done right in the comforts of your business location. The biggest task at hand would be getting the resources for your business.

Where to Get Your Resources

You may be on a budget since you’re only starting out. It’s impossible to get the items you need without your own factory, let alone all the production done just by you. Where to get help, you ask? Simple - China. By this time, if you really are passionate about going into business, you should be aware of the huge role that China plays in the world’s industry of business. China’s rapid economic growth has made them one of the most respected players in the game of business. With their government strongly improving and promoting their wholesale industry, you’ll have plenty of options from which you can choose from regarding your resources.

How to Get Your Resources

When dealing with a foreign country, it is important to learn a little bit about their culture. How you form your relationship with the people you’ll be interacting with in your wholesale business will be a vital key to your success.

To get your resources from China, you’ll need the help of an agent who knows how to get around the Chinese industry. He will be your source of information and connection as to where and whom should you get your products from while assuring you of the quality and the affordability of these products.

Well, of course, the internet is always there to help. When in doubt, the internet is loaded with information that could help you ease those anxieties. Search the web and find some reliable China merchandise manufacturers and exporters or sourcing agent, you can start your own import wholesale business easily.

The concept behind a wholesaler that operates out of China is pretty simple. All of the different aspects of a wholesale company are still there, but the major thing to keep in mind is that since the wholesale company is not operating out of North America or Europe, there are certain advantages that they have. These advantages are multiplied by the fact that they are operating out of China. What exactly are the advantages that are inherent to a wholesaler that is able to operate out of China? Well, the two biggest advantages are a lower overall operating cost and a lower overall cost of living and therefore these combine for the overall lower cost aspect that makes China wholesalers appeal to a number of different people around the world.

China Business Travel 101

Ever wondered if you could deal directly with manufacturers... in China?! It's easier than you think. This article tells the story of someone's first experiences doing business in China.

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china travel, china business, china business travel, business trip china, chinese travel

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Ever wondered if you could deal directly with manufacturers... in China?! It's easier than you think.

First Impressions
I visited China in Autumn 2005 with a group of business associates and must admit that I was amazed, both by the warm reception we received wherever we went, and at the factories we toured. Having never been there before, and having only news accounts of "difficulties" between China and the U.S. to fuel my imagination, I assumed things would be overly formal and official at best… at worst, cold… and we would be "watched" constantly. I was so wrong on both counts. We were treated as welcome visitors and had only to ask the hotel staff for something to have it almost magically produced.

Lost in Translation
Outside of the hotels and manufacturing facilities, doing business in the streets and in small shops was, at most times, terribly difficult. We had arranged our factory visits and business meetings with our contacts in China, and there were no problems on that side when it came to language. But once we stepped out on our own, we rarely found anyone - even in tourist gift shops - who could communicate in English at all. Next time I visit China, I'll hopefully be armed with a few more basic Mandarin phrases, but for everyone visiting, even just for leisure, I'd recommend hiring translators to assist you.

Cash in China
Another word of warning: business owners back home in the States may be suitably impressed by your Gold Card, but to the Chinese shopkeeper it's just a pretty piece of plastic that won't buy a cup of Chinese tea. Even in the large cities, you're going to have to carry around Chinese Yuan (aka Renminbi) in cash if you want to be able to go shopping or eat at a restaurant. I have to say, the upside of this is that you won't find yourself going over budget. But with the incredibly low Chinese retail prices, that probably wouldn't happen anyway.

Low Retail Prices
Once you've overcome the communication difficulties you'll be amazed to find the bargains you'll find in the small shops. For a start, it's an electronics paradise. Just make sure you do your homework on what will and won't work back in the States. For example, you'll find that some Chinese DVD players, though remarkably low-cost, are manufactured to a Chinese standard that is not compatible with DVD discs sold in other parts of the world.

Factories in China
Our visit to a manufacturing plant in Huizhou left us all . . . well, 'impressed' hardly seems like a strong enough word. The building, on the outside was sort of drab looking with banners hanging here and there but inside was quite a different story. First of all we were treated as if we were VIPs instead of mid-level managers from Kenosha. Most importantly, however, the level of automation in this factory was remarkable, even by American standards and, when you look at the numbers, you see that the productivity is really impressive. It's no longer a mystery to this American why China is finding such a willing market in America.


Back Again
I wish I had more than the seven days we were able to stay in China, but it won't be long before I'm back, this time with a group of my friends who have been listening to me talking about the business opportunities since I got back… and who now want to go out there to get a piece of the action for themselves.

Canada Plays China Card

Trade friction and energy leverage has led to an unprecedented Canadian policy of “speak loudly and carry a big piece of lumber” policy towards the United States.

The long running dispute over American tariffs on Canadian lumber escalated to the point last week that Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin indirectly linked settlement with continued U.S. access to Canadian energy supplies. Meanwhile, Canadian Natural Resources Minister John McCallum was off to China to meet wi...

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etf, ishares, investment newsletter, investor newsletter

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Trade friction and energy leverage has led to an unprecedented Canadian policy of “speak loudly and carry a big piece of lumber” policy towards the United States.

The long running dispute over American tariffs on Canadian lumber escalated to the point last week that Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin indirectly linked settlement with continued U.S. access to Canadian energy supplies. Meanwhile, Canadian Natural Resources Minister John McCallum was off to China to meet with Chinese oil, mining and forestry officials.

This is serious business. Part of the 1994 NAFTA Free Trade Agreement guaranteed that Canada would remain the favored supplier to the U.S. It might surprise you to learn that Canada supplies 17% of U.S. oil imports, 16% of our natural gas and nearly all of our hydroelectric power. The Canadian government owns the vast majority of the country’s energy resources and Canada exports more than 1.5 million barrels a day to America representing 8% of U.S. consumption.

China’s Lengthening Reach

Meanwhile, China’s aggressive moves in Canada’s energy sector are raising eyebrows in Washington. Chinese government has earmarked $100 billion for overseas acquisitions of oil and gas. The Chinese are going on a buying spree investing in Canadian energy companies and recently plunked down $2 billion to build a thousand mile pipeline from Alberta tar sands to port on the west coast and onward to Beijing and Shanghai. While the oil reserve numbers for Saudi Arabia are under scrutiny, Canada has recoverable reserves of roughly 175 million barrels. Much of it is in oil sand that is processed profitably at oil prices of $20 or higher and T. Boone Pickens thinks that Canada’s oil sand production could reach 6 million barrels a day

There are now about 1 million ethnic Chinese residing in Canada and China is now Canada’s second largest trading partner. Last month, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Canada and declared that the two countries had upgraded their relations to a “strategic partnership”.

The US’s Waning Grasp

This Chinese-Canadian power play puts America in real jam. You could write a book about the long simmering lumber dispute but a Nafta panel recently ordered the U.S. to return $5 billion of collected tariffs to Canadian lumber companies. Relations with Canada were also weakened earlier this year when Canada announced that it would not contribute to the American-led missile defense program even though 90% of Canadian citizens live within 100 mile of the border between the two countries and Americans purchase 85% of total Canadian exports.

What’s going on? Part of the answer is that the vast majority of Canadians oppose the policies of the Bush Administration. The issue is sensitive in many areas across Canada that are highly dependent on the lumber industry and Mr. Martin and his party are preparing for national elections expected early next year. It is always a vote getter to poke a stick in the eye of the elephant to the south.

How to Play

While Canadian-American relations have seen better days, the energy boom has certainly been beneficial to investors in Canadian markets. The Canada iShare (EWC) tracks the MSCI Canada Index that has 40% exposure to Canada’s energy and materials sector. While the S&P index is up only 3%, the Canada iShare is up 16.6% year to date and 28.8% over the past twelve months.

Speaking of timber, it is smart to have some timber exposure in your portfolio and I have had timber REIT Plum Creek Timber (PCL) in our core portfolio for over two years. Here is why I like it. First, timber is a great inflation hedge and over the past 100 years has risen 3% above the average annual inflation rate. Secondly, timber is not correlated to stocks or bonds and thus is a great “shock absorber” to cushion your portfolio when shares are declining. During the 1970s bear market, timber rose in value while stocks went down. Thirdly, from 1973-2000 timber yielded an average annual return of 15%. Last but not least, timber valuations are attractive after some declines during 2000-2002 especially relative to real estate prices. During 2004 Plum Creek was up 23% and this year it has traded between $34 and $39 finishing last week just over $35 with an attractive dividend yield of 4.3%.

It behooves the U.S. to negotiate a settlement to the lumber dispute as soon as possible and lock up Canadian energy sources before the Chinese get the jump on us. Investors can’t do much about improving Canadian-American relations but they can improve their portfolios by adding exposure to timber as well as to Canada as both an energy and China play.

Do Something Exotic With Your Degree And Teach English In China

The demand for English teachers all over the world is growing quickly. As more countries interact with each other through business and other types of communication, the need for English speakers in foreign lands is growing. And nowhere is this need greater than in China.

If you're considering teaching English in China, you've chosen a challenging and competitive field. Every day language students choose China as their career field, but the need still far outweighs the avai...

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Teach English, Teaching English, Teaching English Overseas, ESL Jobs, ESL, TEFL, TESOL

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The demand for English teachers all over the world is growing quickly. As more countries interact with each other through business and other types of communication, the need for English speakers in foreign lands is growing. And nowhere is this need greater than in China.

If you're considering teaching English in China, you've chosen a challenging and competitive field. Every day language students choose China as their career field, but the need still far outweighs the available teachers.

For those who plan to teach English in China, there are a few basics you should know before beginning a job search.

Qualifications

All you really need to teach English in China is a college degree and fluency in English. Many countries require language teachers to have TEFL or ESL certification; however, China does not consider this a requirement. Nonetheless, it's wise to get certified before you begin your job search. It'll put you far ahead of the pack.

Getting certified in ESL is an easy process. Many colleges and community schools offer month-long certification programs. If you're planning on teaching overseas, it's best to arm yourself with a certificate just in case the job hunt is a little more cutthroat than you had expected.

Steps to Finding a Job

1. Study the Chinese culture. Keep in mind that when you teach English in China, you'll be living in China for at least the length of a school term, so you'll want to know as much as possible about your future home.

2. Research the Chinese school system and decide what level you'd like to teach at. English is taught from grade school all the way up through university level. Some businesses will also hire you to teach their employees English skills, or you may be interested in teaching conversational skills to adults in general.

3. Make the necessary contacts. This may require some international phone calls. The Internet will be an invaluable tool at this point. Contact schools, universities, businesses and job boards to determine which jobs are right for you. Once you’ve selected some companies that you want to apply to, follow their guidelines for the application process.

4. Talk to your college. Many universities will have arrangements with Chinese schools; these "sister school" programs allow you to teach English in China while a Chinese teacher visits your school. The organization where you get your ESL certification will also most likely have a job placement assistance program.

Know What to Expect

Keep in mind that if you choose to teach English in China, it won't necessarily be the most financially rewarding career available- at least, not at first. Many Chinese universities will only require you to teach 14-15 classroom hours a week; however, you will be expected to be available for office hours and other types of responsibilities.

Don't be afraid to negotiate terms. Although your paycheck may not be very impressive, most universities or companies will provide you with airfare to and from China. Some universities will offer paid housing for foreign teachers, which eliminates the hassle of finding and paying for an apartment or house.

If you have a master's degree or a doctorate, you may qualify to work as a Foreign Expert in a Chinese university. Foreign Experts teach higher level classes and generally get a higher pay rate than Foreign Teachers.

Choosing to teach English in China is not just a career- it's a major commitment, so it’s important to think carefully before making your final decision! If you love the Chinese culture; if teaching English is your passion; if you're unafraid of new and challenging situations- then you've quite possibly found the right career field.