BEIJING, Oct. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The growing trade between China and the UK saw London Mayor Boris Johnson visit China recently to promote increased business. Here, he said Mandarin should be on the school curriculum in Britain if the UK genuinely hopes to grasp the opportunities being created by Asia’s biggest economy. He is not the only one with such thoughts. As our correspondent Richard Bestic reports from the China Forum in Manchester in the UK.
Boris Johnson is so convinced of the need for the next generation of British business leaders to speak Mandarin, he’s already got his children learning the language and he’s taking lessons himself.
So, to find out if British business also thinks it’s a good idea, I dropped in on a forum organised by the China Britain Business Council.
Here small and medium sized enterprises learn from the experts how best to clinch a deal in China.
Turns out .. Boris is right. Learning the language is a huge plus.
Kristina Koehler, Klako Sevice Providers, said, "I one completely one hundred per cent agree. I don’t have kids at the moment, but the minute that I do, one of their first languages to learn will be Mandarin."
Hans Waltl, PSI Global Filters, said, "If you want to do business with somebody, they should sell to you in the customers language."
The dry side of business for these people is China’s legislative and fiscal regulations. Important things, but it’s a knowledge of Chinese culture that’s wins friends and get that deal signed.
"One of the messages that came out loud and clear this morning from all people who currently do business in China, was get to know the Chinese culture. Listen to them." Said Tom Roberts, Hyperion Energy Consultants.
The Vice Chairman of the China Britain Business Council is right behind Boris.
Graham Cartledge, Vice Chairman of China Britain Business Council, said, "Is this one that you think the government should take up. I’m certain they should. I mean we’ve seen today from this conference, the visits from Boris and George Osborne and soon to be David Cameron, in China the importance of communicating with the Chinese. "
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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