Opportunities abound in the world's largest consumer market. If you plan to open an office or send employees to China, read our newly updated guide first.

On this page:

• Overview
• Setting up a company
• Visas
• Taxes
• News

OVERVIEW

China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2001 has revolutionised the country's economy as foreign companies clamber to find a foothold in the market. The WTO agreement has heralded a new beginning for the People's Republic of China (PRC), a country that launched economic reforms in 1978 and which has since seen the economy explode at an annual growth rate of 9 percent per year, the fastest growth rate of any comparably sized country.

Economically, China sits behind the Unites States, but its economy is two to three times larger than major Western European nations, and is well on the road to becoming an 'open economy'.

Multinationals are now looking towards China with renewed fervour, with accession opportunities for increased foreign direct investment, import competition and continued growth. China's relatively low GDP per capita (USD 910 per annum, compared with USD 36,020 for the United States) means labour costs are cheap, and low costs for business space add to the advantages. But it's not all plain sailing. Those establishing businesses in China can expect bureaucratic problems and increased political pressure in a country trying to come to terms with its dramatic reforms.

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Next >