China is the country with the highest population in the world and in the last decade or two it has become one of the leading players in the global economy. In this day and age the country that was hidden for so long behind a bamboo curtain, that to outsiders was home only to tea and rice, is a deciding player on world trade, world currency and even whether or not the world goes to war with North Korea.
The once assumed gentle country where paddy fields of rice grew, ploughed by oxen and the finest tea in all the world grew has now become a giant that has woken from its slumber. “For all the tea in China” people used to say but in 2016 it is not just tea that China produces, although China produces 35% of the world’s tea and the country itself consumes tea equal in weight to 26 Titanics (2010 figures) in weight, but the country is the heart of everything hi-tech and many things low tech.
The once assumed gentle country where paddy fields of rice grew, ploughed by oxen and the finest tea in all the world grew has now become a giant that has woken from its slumber. “For all the tea in China” people used to say but in 2016 it is not just tea that China produces, although China produces 35% of the world’s tea and the country itself consumes tea equal in weight to 26 Titanics (2010 figures) in weight, but the country is the heart of everything hi-tech and many things low tech.
In a country as vast as China and with such a large population labour costs are low and the level of skill and expertise is relatively high. Today pretty much anything hi-tech has some component or other that is made in China and quite likely to have been fully produced and assembled in China. From the mobile phone or tablet in your hand to the laptop or pc to the smart TV’s you are reading this post on 90% or more of the items will have some link to China. China has come a long way from producing tea yet has still managed to remain the top producer of the refreshing drink and become one of the leading drivers and producers of technology.
But it is not all roses, the people of china and the economy of China, the great yellow giant is starting to show signs of trouble. Demand for coal, iron ore, gold, platinum and other commodities has seen a decline in recent months. Manufacturing output is down. China has some trouble on the horizon and trouble for many spells opportunity. Those people who speak Mandarin, the most widely spoken form of Chinese, or Chinese generally now have the greatest opportunity to capitalise on the downward trend that can create these opportunities. Speaking a language creates much needed confidence. It can demonstrate that you take the other person seriously, shows respect and can put the other personal at ease if you can converse in their native language. All this can help to build good connections and ongoing relationships.
But it is not all roses, the people of china and the economy of China, the great yellow giant is starting to show signs of trouble. Demand for coal, iron ore, gold, platinum and other commodities has seen a decline in recent months. Manufacturing output is down. China has some trouble on the horizon and trouble for many spells opportunity. Those people who speak Mandarin, the most widely spoken form of Chinese, or Chinese generally now have the greatest opportunity to capitalise on the downward trend that can create these opportunities. Speaking a language creates much needed confidence. It can demonstrate that you take the other person seriously, shows respect and can put the other personal at ease if you can converse in their native language. All this can help to build good connections and ongoing relationships.
Yes, many Chinese speak English as does much of the world but speaking Chinese in challenging times gives the speaker of the language an advantage. Small nuances that may be lost in translation are regained, plans can be described in greater clarity and overall understanding is improved. Having a language is a business tool that leverages on human, even animal, nature where like prefers to communicate with like.
No matter how challenging the future may be for China right now the person who speaks the language is the one who can capitalise on the current situation and open up opportunity. The simple fact that a language is spoken may mean a deal maybe quickly struck and you and your new partner, customer or friend can relax and enjoy a good cup of Chinese tea.
No matter how challenging the future may be for China right now the person who speaks the language is the one who can capitalise on the current situation and open up opportunity. The simple fact that a language is spoken may mean a deal maybe quickly struck and you and your new partner, customer or friend can relax and enjoy a good cup of Chinese tea.
