China - The Emerging Opportunity Centre

By Frank Mulligan, Talent Software

China is definitely flavour of the month, both in the media and for international business people generally.

But itís not just about China. It is true that the country offers international companies a huge market and a strong manufacturing base but it also offers professionals excellent career opportunities. More and more people are coming here, especially from other parts of Asia, and the society is deepening as a result.

So Chinaís influence stretches beyond its borders and, in turn, it is influenced by factors outside of China. The professionals who come here are bringing a great deal more than their technical skills. As a result of their presence Chinese society is becoming more open and accessible. People here are definitely taking a broader view and considering possibilities outside of their own personal box.

In some ways China is becoming a little more like Hong Kong and Singapore. Unfortunately, from their point of view, these two cities are losing out to China on a massive scale. Specifically, they are losing:

* Broad Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
* Manufacturing
* Large Scale Construction Projects
* Outsourcing
* Asia Pacific HQs
* RandD
* Media Attention

Not much left really.

Itís not that long ago that Hong Kong was regarded as the íGateway to Chinaí but by the late-90ís it was seen by many as the íBig Barrierí. One that had to be overcome by companies who already had operations in Hong Kong and wanted to move to China. Their competitors skipped past Hong Kong and invested directly in Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai. Now new entrants skip even these cities and move to inland cities where costs are lower.

The world has turned upside down. At least if you are from Hong Kong or Singapore.

Comments to: frank.mulligan@recruit-china.com