U.S. and Hong Kong (1997)

U.S. Department of State

Hong Kong Country Commercial Guide for FY 95-96

Office of the Coordinator for Business Affairs

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CHAPTER IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

A. Business Customs      Over the years, Hong Kong has developed as a unique society based on Chinese tradition and western technology. It is a society which practices religious and racial tolerance. Above all, it is a society that emphasizes hard work and success.

Americans encounter few if any cultural problems when conducting business in Hong Kong. Americans should be aware that Hong Kong people tend to be more formal than many Americans. Business acquaintances are addressed as Mr. or Ms. unless they state that their first name should be used. Business cards are exchanged frequently and the exchange should be fairly formal: the card should be accepted with both hands and a moment taken to read it carefully. "Face" is very important, and problems or areas of disagreement are handled indirectly to avoid loss of "face." While a study of local customs and practices may be helpful, most people in Hong Kong are sufficiently familiar with Western customs that they are tolerant of cultural differences. Business contacts should be treated the same as a formal business relationship in the U.S. Western business attire (suit and tie for men, business suits for women) is appropriate.

B. Travel Advisory and Visas      Visas allowing residence and local employment for expatriates are granted on the basis of simple, comprehensible procedures, are handled in a timely manner and managed in a way that is consistent with the interests of employees. There are no quotas, bonds, or guarantees required. All residents are equal under the law, enjoy freedom of movement, access to public education, and basic civil freedoms.

Visiting Americans generally fit in well. Most Hong Kong business executives speak excellent English, and are accustomed to dealing with Westerners.

C. Holidays

1995
August 28		Liberation Day
November 1		Chung Yeung Festival
December 25		Christmas Day
December 26		First week-day after Christmas Day
1996
January 1		First week-day after New Year's Day
February 19		Lunar New Year's Day
February 20		The second day of Lunar New Year
February 21		The third day of Lunar New Year
April 4		Ching Ming Festival
April 5		Good Friday
April 6		The day following Good Friday
April 8		Easter Monday
June 15		The Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen
June 17		The Monday following the Queen's Birthday
June 20		Dragon Boat Festival
August 24		The Saturday preceding the last Monday in August
August 26		Liberation Day, being the last Monday in August
September 28		The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
October 21		The day following Chung Yeung Festival
December 25		Christmas Day
December 26		First week-day after Christmas Day

D. Business Infrastructure (eg. transportation, language, communications, housing, health, food)

Housing, food, telecommunications, transportation and healthcare are all available at levels comparable to major American cities. Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially for housing, but it is also a very efficient city making it possible to accomplish a great deal in a short time.

Your business partners will almost always speak English, and will negotiate on a very business-like basis.

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