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June 7, 2007
China Fever
CHINA FEVER
BY SARA GARIBALDI
China Fever is something we should all be aware of. Its symptoms are spreading among millions of us in the U.S and around the world. The symptoms ignite within those infected, a powerful curiosity to learn more about a country that will soon be the world’s next superpower. Once recovered, those who have overcome the fever will be armed with powerful antibodies that will make them immune to any surprises the ever changing world will bring us.
With a population of over 1.3 billion people, and a rapidly growing economy with advancements every year comparable to those made in a lengthy seven years in the U.S., the world is turning its attention to China. If you’ve wondered why economists are talking about China, why large multinational firms are pouring millions of dollars into the country or why soccer moms are signing up their toddlers for Mandarin classes, here are a few reasons why:
• The Chinese are building municipal infrastructure every month that is equivalent of a Houston, TX
• China adds 4 to 6 million cell phone subscribers on a monthly basis
• China producers more mobile phones than any other country in the world
• China is the world’s largest producer of color televisions, including plasmas, LCDs and tubes
• In the next 20 years, 50% of the world population will be in India and China
• China has the largest foreign reserves and the highest savings rate in the world
• In a little over 7 years, China will have the second largest GDP in the world
• By 2015, China’s demand for oil will reach more than half of the European Union
In a recent trip of mine to China, I had the fortunate opportunity to witness the monster of a nation that China is. Modern technology, western influence, maintained Chinese culture, strong ancient beliefs, hundreds of dialects, centuries of history, a collectivist society, numerous laws and strong guanxi (Chinese social networks) -- all these factors and much more make up this powerful nation that is ahead of every curve.
Having visited Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong on a three week journey to this intriguing land and taking a course called “Doing Business in China,” I am proud to announce that I have been infected with China Fever. If you have a chance to visit China, don’t let the opportunity go. If you have a chance to learn Mandarin, do so. If you have any chance to witness the exponential growth of this country, go for it. Not only will you enjoy of its tourism offerings such as Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Victoria’s Peak, Yu Gardens Bazaar, Terracota Soldiers, Asia’s Vegas, and much, much more – but visiting China will also open your eyes to a country that will soon lead the world. Therefore, don’t be afraid to contract this fever as well and give yourself the powerful antibodies needed to arm yourself to compete in the dynamic future ahead.
Posted by daniel.hernandez at 7:04 PM
Comments
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Posted by: Angie at December 6, 2007 9:19 PM
Hi. Great website.
Posted by: tiffanys at February 22, 2008 4:59 AM
I took particular interest in the 4-6 additional mobile phone subscriptions on a montly basis--let's not forget about superstition!
I was in China for about a month in August, so I thought it would be wise to purchase a Chinese sim card for my cell phone. Looking over a pricing chart of available phone numbers, I became painfully aware that prices among identical cell phone plans varied based on the cell phone number.
If the number you purchase has a 4 in it (signifying death in Chinese culture), it will be SUBSTANTIALLY cheaper than if your phone number is laden with 6's or 8's. The most expensive phone numbers are saturated with 6's and 8's.
I chose the cheapest phone number available, but it was interesting to see that people do willingly pay for their phone number.
Posted by: Lisa Xia at March 20, 2008 12:25 PM
I took particular interest in the 4-6 additional mobile phone subscriptions on a montly basis--let's not forget about superstition!
I was in China for about a month in August, so I thought it would be wise to purchase a Chinese sim card for my cell phone. Looking over a pricing chart of available phone numbers, I became painfully aware that prices among identical cell phone plans varied based on the cell phone number.
If the number you purchase has a 4 in it (signifying death in Chinese culture), it will be SUBSTANTIALLY cheaper than if your phone number is laden with 6's or 8's. The most expensive phone numbers are saturated with 6's and 8's.
I chose the cheapest phone number available, but it was interesting to see that people do willingly pay for their phone number.
Posted by: Lisa Xia at March 20, 2008 12:25 PM
I took particular interest in the 4-6 additional mobile phone subscriptions on a montly basis--let's not forget about superstition!
I was in China for about a month in August, so I thought it would be wise to purchase a Chinese sim card for my cell phone. Looking over a pricing chart of available phone numbers, I became painfully aware that prices among identical cell phone plans varied based on the cell phone number.
If the number you purchase has a 4 in it (signifying death in Chinese culture), it will be SUBSTANTIALLY cheaper than if your phone number is laden with 6's or 8's. The most expensive phone numbers are saturated with 6's and 8's.
I chose the cheapest phone number available, but it was interesting to see that people do willingly pay for their phone number.
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Posted by: Lillie at March 30, 2008 5:34 AM
I think it's remarkable how much of the global population lives in China alone. I have recently been researching and following the international marketing and advertising strategies of corporations that choose to take their brands to the Chinese market. With a large and diverse population such as China's, more and more companies are going international, realizing the advantages of taking their business to this foreign market-a market filled with opportunities for success.
Posted by: Alexandria at April 1, 2008 9:57 AM