The matter of China Sourcing is at present being given little or medium-level
priority by many companies. This however is not consistent with the potential
which this matter offers with reference to procurement costs and consequently
one’s own competitive position. In the near future China will advance
to become the procurement market par excellence. Today, it already has a
large supply base, which in the next few years will lead to China developing
into one of the most aggressive competitors in the world. This will lead to an
increase in procurement from China.
However, it is misplaced to rush into the adventure of procurement in China.
Thorough preparation is necessary to be successful in the Chinese market.
Procurement in China does not only offer opportunities but it is afflicted by
risks and problems. The focus of this book is directed towards 5 important
problem areas: a lack of market transparency, difficulty in establishing contacts,
underdeveloped logistics infrastructure, a lack of product quality, unusual
negotiating strategies. The reader is made sensitive to these problem
areas. At the same time, it provides practical advice to overcome these problems
and gives purchasers useful information and hints in practical business
situations.
This guide is aimed at purchasing managers in production companies who
have not yet had experience of dealing with or in China and who would like
to start.