0816_TOEFL-Test-and-Score-Manual-1997

Going Global ● 269
It took $4,000 and nearly a year to obtain the permits she needed to
open the center, but things are going well. She hopes to open more around
Moscow.
If you have a product or service that you think will appeal to Russians,
start doing your homework now. You can call the U.S. Commerce
Department and ask to speak to a trade specialist. The U.S. Agency for
International Development also has assistance programs for people wanting
to do business in Russia.
The Russia House Ltd. (www.therussiahouse.co.uk/visas-russian.html)
has been involved with procuring Russian visas since 1970. Requirements
often change. The Russia House was set up in 1970 by Barry Martin, who is
still the managing director of the company. His goal is to foster Russo-British
trade. People from other countries also rely on his services.
GREAT
Do Business in China
For some great ideas about doing business in China,
IDEA
I turned to Edie Tolchin, known as “The Sourcing
Lady.” She’s an author and columnist for Inventors Digest magazine.
Although she’s an expert in doing business in China, I was surprised to
learn she’s never been there.
Here are some highlights of our interview:
• What’s the best way to find out what products or services might appeal
to the Chinese consumer? One way is to try posting “goods for sale” on
www.alibaba.com and see if there’s any interest or demand specifically
from China. Another way is to establish contacts with businesses in
China to establish a demand. A third way is to plan a trip there, first as
a tourist, to see what the Chinese people are buying over there.
• Do you recommend going on a trade mission to China? They can be
good, but they’re mostly “fluff.” Some tour companies will take you
to the typical tourist areas and then arrange visits to factories and
businesses that pay the agency to bring travelers there. So then you