Business > Doing business overseas

This resource contains both New Zealand and international links to government and other sources which provide practical information on exporting. These links also provide background information on a number of countries, and a special section includes material on cross-cultural business etiquette. Wellington City Library resources are also highlighted.

New Zealand resources and contacts

Government

Exporting @ BIZ
This great Business Information Zone has lots of advice for exporters, including articles and case studies, as well as links to other useful sites.
Export New Zealand
For events and courses in the Wellington region click here
NZ Companies Office site for doing business in Australia
A factsheet introducing the ASIC and provides advice on how to register a foreign company in Australia.
New Zealand Customs Service
Provides exporters with all the customs regulations they need to be aware of.
New Zealand Export Credit Office
The officially supported export credit agency for New Zealand. It specialises in providing support to exporters through insurance so that exporters will get paid and are able to offer finance terms to their buyers. The ECO provides support to exporting firms with growth potential and work with the private sector to provide underwriting services.
New Zealand Food Safety Authority
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)
This is the New Zealand government's national economic development agency. Here you will find the Develop knowledge and expertise section which lists resources and support to help your business grow and improve its competitiveness. Also here is a wonderful resource: Guides to starting a business. You will also find information about the 2010 New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Export Awards. NZTE has also added a new extension to their website focusing on China and Hong Kong. It provides a range of NZTE material (speeches, country profiles, FTA information, media releases etc) specifically about China and Hong Kong.
New Zealand Trade Centre
Enables international buyers to view products that are available for export from New Zealand and is endorsed by NZTE.

Other organisations and agencies

(These are just some selected sites - look at the Doing business in NZ site for more links)
The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand
Global-Link is a Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted site.
Kea New Zealand
Kea's mission is to connect New Zealand with its large global talent community, and contribute to the growth, development, and future prosperity of New Zealand by facilitating the sharing of knowledge, contacts and opportunities around the world.
Korea New Zealand Business Council (Wellington based)
A group of New Zealand companies, organisations and Government Agencies involved in promoting increased business, disseminating information and research between Korea and New Zealand. Includes the Council's newsletter Korea line.
Latin America New Zealand Business Council (Wellington based)
The Council promotes increased business and trade between Latin America and New Zealand companies. Details of the service, offers, members directory; business information is included.
New Zealand China Trade Association
NZCTA promotes increased business and trade between Chinese and New Zealand companies. It is based within the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The site includes information on the Business Visa Service arrangement with the New Zealand Immigration Service in Beijing.
New Zealand German Business Association
The NZGBA is the officially recognized New Zealand representative of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and exists to foster closer trading relationships between New Zealand and German companies. Includes access to the Association's newsletter Trading Opportunities, and lists upcoming trade fairs.
New Zealand Exports & Imports
This is an on-line directory of New Zealand exporters and importers issued by the UBD Division of Wilson & Horton Specialist Publications Limited. There is a search facility and links.

Articles, reports, newstories

Bell Gully's beginner's guide to export contracts
Business tools making exporting easier
Author: Young, Simon
Source: iStart : e-business in action, Quarter Two 2007;p.12-14
Abstract : Looks at how New Zealand exporters are using a variety of electronic business system to enable them to work internationally as efficiently as working within New Zealand.
Who's scared of India?
Author: Middleton, Julie
Source: Listener 2 Oct 2010; v.225n.3673:pp.24-30
Abstract: Consists of a number of articles which look at how NZ is too focused on China to the detriment of India when it comes to looking for export markets. Looks at agencies available to support Kiwi businesses.
Entering the Middle Kingdom
Author: South, Gill
Source: Unlimited, Jul 2008; n.106:pp54-55
Abstract: Marketers already working in China, offer advice to anyone considering doing business in China.
Big in Japan
Author: Booker, Mike
Source: Grower, Aug 2009; v.64 n.7:pp.48-49
Abstract: Looks at how much NZ exports to Japan and how we can do even better.
Is New Zealand a nation of exporters?
Author: Ng, Keith
Source: Unlimited, Aug/Sep 2009; n.117
Abstract: Looks at the structure of NZ exporting, urging more support for small and innovative exporting firms.

Online articles

The articles below which have links are from the EBSCO suite of databases, part of mygateway.info and can be accessed fulltext online. If you have not accessed EBSCO within the last thirty days, you need to login here first. Chaotic land of export promise
Authors: Churchouse, Nick
Source: Dominion Post; 20/02/2010, pC1
Abstract: The article takes a look at the increasing number of exporters who are looking at India as a market.
Digging in on foreign soil
Author: Moore, Patricia
Source: NZ Business; Nov 2009, Vol. 23 Issue 11, p36
Abstract: The article looks at how Trench It Industries who market farm implements and specialist machinery approached the export business.
Title: Export tactics for the new world
Authors: Kavany, Kevin
Source: NZ Business; May 2009, Vol. 23 Issue 5, p32-35
Gives advice to companies intending to enter the export market and includes choosing a country with whom NZ has a free trade agreement and going to expos.
Financing for export
Author: Knapp, Catriona
Source: NZ Business; Jul2010, Vol. 24 Issue 7, p66
Abstract: The article outlines the three key areas which need to be addressed when developing a financial strategy for exporting.

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International links - doing business in other countries

Doing Business
This World Bank site provides indicators of the cost of doing business in various countries. There are country specific reports and 155 printable country data profiles. Economies can also be compared.
Doing business in Australia
Doing Business in Japan
Doing Business in Malaysia
Doing Business in Taiwan
Doing business in Thailand
Doing Business in Vietnam
Doing business in the U.K.

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
TSNN.com - The Ultimate Event Resource
Reputedly one of the leading online resources for the trade show, exhibition and event industry, the site contains data on more than 15,000 trade shows, exhibitions, public events and conferences. Free registration required to view trade show details.
GlobalEDGE Country Insights
Current information on the business climate, news, history, political structure, economic landscape, and relevant statistical data are provided in a region and country-specific format, covering 197 countries. A rich collection of country and region specific international business links adds to the vast collection of information.
IMF country information
International Trade / Export-Import Portal - Find trade leads, web resources, trade events and more. It is the official website of the Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) and has links to over 3,000 international trade Web sites. The site aims to provide the most content-rich international trade site and to provide a comprehensive global trade shop featuring goods and services needed by those involved in international trade.
SINGOV
This website serves as a great starting point for anyone keen to learn about various government branches and agencies, as well as acting as an important resource for people seeking to do business there.

Directories/yearbooks/encyclopedias

New Zealand export and trade handbook
Find on the shelf at: (NZ directory) Business Directory 02NZ06 2010 - link to contents pages
Europa world year book
Find on the shelf at: 909.82 EUR (reference only Central Library 2nd floor).
Each country is covered by an individual chapter containing: A unique introductory survey covering recent history; economic affairs; government; defence; education; and public holidays. All includes extensive statistical data across many industries as well as a comprehensive directory listing names, addresses, email and internet address for government, chambers of commerce, industrial and trade associations etc.
The Statesman's year-book.
Find the latest (2011) on the shelf at: (held Central Library 1st floor Ref 310.5 STA)
A brief but thorough introduction to each of the countries of the world. Detailed data on currency, industry, and trade is included. (Annual)
Exporters' encyclopaedia
Find on the shelf at: (Central Library 1st floor).
Latest copy only held. It is updated by the Factfile. This is full of practical information on doing business internationally.

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Business etiquette/cultural awareness

Web resources

Business etiquette and manners
The Web's leading resource for international business etiquette and manners. The site provides cultural information for a number of different countries around the world. It rates each country using Hofstede's 5 key indicators of culture: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, individualism, and long-term orientation

Library resources

Books

How to negotiate anything with anyone anywhere around the world / Frank L. Acuff.
Essentials of international management: a cross-cultural perspective / David C. Thomas.
Global English for global business : Use English that your international clients can understand, and communicate successfully with people all over the world / McAlpine, Rachel.
Marketing across cultures / Trompenaars, Alfons.
Understanding China : building bridges for business success / Ed Weymes.
Vietnam today : a guide to a nation at a crossroads / Mark A. Ashwill with Thai Ngoc Diep.
When in Rome or Rio or Riyadh--: cultural q & a's for successful business behavior around the world / Gwyneth Olofsson.

Articles

--international

Assess, Don't Assume, Part I:Etiquette and National Culture in Negotiation
Author: Sebenius, James K.
Source: Harvard Business School Working Paper; V3.1 December 2009
The working paper looks at the "common expectations for surface behavior: etiquette, protocol, and deportment"and the "deeper cultural characteristics and their implications for the negotiation process".
Cultural Differences in Business Communication
Author: Hooker, John
December 2008
Gift symbolism in international business
Authors: Dumbrava, Gabriela, Koronka, Adriana
Source:Annals of the University of Petrosani Economics; 2007, Vol. 7, pp133-140
Abstract: This informative and meaty article focuses on the various differences in international cross-cultural business "gift giving". The symbolism of several categories of gifts is discussed, and several examples are given of appropriate and inappropriate gifts for different cultures.
Headed for china? cultural considerations
Author: Winters, Elaine
Source: MultiLingual; Jan/Feb2007, Vol. 18 Issue 1, Special section pp11-12
Abstract: This is another useful article on how to successfully conduct business in China, taking into account the key concepts and values in Chinese culture.

--New Zealand

Culture decoded
Author: Watson, Bill
Source: NZ Business, Sep 2006; v.20 n.8:p.67
Abstract: Focuses on the importance to show genuine respect for the host culture's customs and traditions when carrying out international business negotiations. This is particularly important with regard to Asian cultures.
The Asian connection
Author: Janes, Andrew
Source: Press 29 Apr 2006; p.E1
Abstract: Brokes the argument that New Zealand businesses are not utilising the knowledge of the local Asian community for conducting business relationships in Asian markets. Talks to a number of people including the AsiaNZ Foundation director John Austin.

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Last updated 14 October 2010

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