January '99 News and Perspectives about Business Opportunities in Asia

Sun Tze's Business Strategy

January 25, 1999

When we talk about war theory, all westerners would mention the TOTAL WARFARE THEORIST, Prussian General, Karl von Clausewitz(1780-1830).

More recently, people interested in the theory of warfare have begun studying and quoting SUN TZE, a great war theorist who lived sometime in the period 722-484 B.C.

The most quoted advice of SUN TZE : Know your own plans and that of the enemy to achieve constant victory.

What is interesting is not only that generals or admirals study his book to help them win wars, but SUN TZE is also quoted by Chinese people of all walks of life in dealing with their daily activities.

The advice to know the "enemy" is particularly apt for anyone who is planning to do business or make investments in unfamiliar territory. But how does one prepare to make forays into unknown markets?

If you are looking to do business in the Pacific Rim region, we have up-to-date information about local conditions and shall be very pleased to help you.

Chinese Century

January 18, 1999

As we stand at the threshold of the 21st Century, one recalls that Arnold Joseph Toynbee (1889-1975), a controversial yet influential British historian, made a prediction: THE 21ST CENTURY WILL BE A CHINESE CENTURY--quite a debatable statement that many others do not agree with.

However, just saying so does not automatically mean it will happen.

There is an old adage: there are 400 million customers in China. Now, of course, the number has been tripled in the People's Republic of China (PRC). However, thirty years from now India will have a bigger population than the PRC.

Certainly, at present, PRC has one of the highest economic growth rates of any developing country. Putting Taiwan, Hongkong(100% Chinese), and Singapore (80% Chinese) together with the PRC, the Chinese market is a huge, huge, growing market. By shear size alone, marketing to the Chinese will play an important economic role in the next few decades, and a critical factor for overall world prosperity.

The multinationals already have their strategic plans in place. But can any other outsider get into the action? One will need insight and understanding of the cultural and economic characteristics of this enormous, diverse customer base. With our extensive experience, we can be your guide and advisor into this territory. Interested? Email or call us.

Center's Center

January 7, 1999

In August of this year, nine planets of the solar system plus the moon will form a cross in space with earth in the center, though it can not be seen by the bare eye.

The last such astronomical phenomenon occurred about 110 BC At that time, fortune-telling astrologers/astromers predicted an onslaught of natural catastrophes, while certain religious cults expected that this was to be DOOMSDAY.

It is not the catastrophic predictions that are interesting, because, unsurprisingly, there were no recorded tidal waves or earthquakes for that period. What is interesting is that the earth will be (was) in the center of the heavenly cross. Then which part of the earth is the center's center? Is it the CENTRAL KINGDOM (China)? No such possibility now.

The financial crisis in Asia seems to be bottoming out. We have seen bull markets all over Asia; all of the Pacific Rim countries are in the process of opening their doors (markets) wider and spending more money to stimulate their home market. From the information I have gathered, we can do business on two-way traffic basis.

Let me specify a few opportunities: Certain regional countries are looking for technology and equipment for water-saving and energy-saving, pollution control, garbage disposal, and other environmental pollution prevention measures. At the same time, they also wish to relocate part of their industries overseas. More information can be given on request.

As a result of these propitious activities, we might say the center of the center of the cross in space is the PACIFIC RIM. Let us hope that the advent of the cross in space is a good omen for all of us..