Country Profile: Hong Kong
General Informa
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Hong Kong is a
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The land area o
•
As of July 1, 199
Kong would be
Administrative R
governing; poss
and foreign affa
•
The official lang
•
The governmen
•
The currency is
•
In the summer f
drop to as low a
•
Natural resourc
Economy:
Hong Kong possesse
international trade a
trade and financial li
has increased signific
Kong’s largest tradin
highest value of initi
mainland Chinese co
to the US dollar.
Industries include tex
commodities include
electrical machinery
United States.
Culture Etiquette
Greetings:
A higher ranking per
younger person. A w
youngest last.
Shake hands with ev
handshake.
(Cont
Connecting Industrial Buyers and Suppliers
Worldwide
Communication Style:
Indirect communication is often used. “Yes” may not mean and agreement; it often means “I hear you.” “No” is
generally not said, but you may hear “I will have to wait,” or “This may be very difficult.”
Personal Space and Touching:
Standing close to each other when talking is ok, however, they are reserved people and uncomfortable with body
contact. Avoid hugging, kissing, and patting someone on the back.
Views of Time:
Punctuality is expected and respected. Allow 30 minutes of courtesy time if someone is going to be late for an
appointment with you.
Gender Issues:
Foreign businesswomen should have little trouble conducting business. Chinese women generally do not drink alcohol,
but for foreign women, drinking in moderation is acceptable.
Gestures:
Winking at someone is a rude gesture. When requesting a bill, make a writing motion with your hand. When summoning
a person, extend your arm, palm down and make a scratching motion with the fingers. Never point with your fingers;
that gesture is meant for animals.
Taboos:
Do not place chopsticks standing upright in the rice bowl. Hong Kong Chinese are very superstitious so do not mention
failure, poverty or death during a conversation.
Business Etiquette:
Dress:
For a business meeting, men should wear conservative