目 录

Financial InstitutionsThe U.S. financial system includes a variety of institutions (e.g., credit unions, savings and loan associations). However, commercial banksare the most utilized by companies operating in the U.S. Most large banks provide a variety of services to assist foreign businesses inestablishing operations in North America, including checking accounts to receive and send money, foreign exchange services, import/exportloan assistance, and lending money for business expansion or day-to-day operations. Banks also assist with insurance, investments, and otherrelated business products. Banks may also serve as consultants when setting-up subsidiaries of foreign companies and make introductions toother service providers and potential customers. In addition to business banking, banks provide personal financial services to the corporateclient’s employees, including credit cards, checking accounts, and financing to facilitate purchasing a home.When establishing a new client relationship, the banker would want to learn about the company’s business and its plans.The new client should be prepared to share basic information about the company, its financial statements and business plan.Working with the region’s diverse economy allows Michigan banks to combine their understanding of their customers andclients with their history of working with Michigan’s global companies to provide a solution unique to needs of the business andits personnel. Some Michigan banks maintain a staff of specialists dedicated to serving Chinese and Asian business enterprises.Business Advisors, Consultants and BrokersBusiness advisors and consultants include accounting firms, management consulting, investment banks, law firms, brokers andother service providers.● Accounting firms performing auditing, tax and consulting services for business entities. Accounting firms vary in termsof size and expertise. Chinese firms should go to the firm that they are most comfortable with; however, it is necessary thatChinese companies be served by firms with expertise in international accounting and taxation.● Management consulting firms help companies to improve performance through analysis of existing business problems anddevelopment of future plans. Management consulting may involve the identification and cross-fertilization of best practices,analytical techniques, strategy development, operational improvement, skills coaching or technology implementation.● Investment banks help companies and governments and their agencies to raise money by issuing and selling securities inthe primary market. They assist public and private corporations in raising funds in the capital markets (both equity and debt),as well as in providing strategic advisory services for mergers, acquisitions and other types of financial transactions.Doing business in Michigan● Law firms advise business enterprises of how laws apply to their business and operations. In the U.S., business enterprisesdo not go to law firms just when they have a court case. Legal services cover the entire life cycle of a business enterprise,from incorporating a business entity, tax planning, negotiating contracts, compliance with legal requirements, to labor andemployment and intellectual property protection. Like accounting firms, law firms come in different sizes and Chinesecompanies are best represented by firms with an understanding of the business culture and needs of Chinese enterprises.● Brokers assist in various business transactions because of the relative complexity of the industry practices. Examples ofbrokers are real estate, insurance and stock brokers.* This Chapter co-edited by Jannette A. Burland, Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc., Ray DeWinkle, The Right Place, Inc., Janice Karcher, GeneseeRegional Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Kuo, U.S. Commercial Service, Thomas Maguire, U.S. Commercial Service, Aaron M. Perrault, ComericaBank, Albert Vincent Y. Yu Chang, Esq., Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.47