Shanghai’s Gem of the French Concession

A visit to Shanghai would not be complete without dinner at "1931" – a famous Bar and Restaurant in the French Concession area, approximately 15 minutes away from the Bund. Without reservations, tables are usually not available until after 10 p.m., which is about the time that this bustling city starts to come alive. I was seated around 10:30 p.m. on a Thursday night in late May with a group of 5 others. Instantly, I fell back in time.

Our waitress wore a royal blue qipao dress (a high necked, traditional piece typically worn in Shanghai during the 1930s). Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid that seemed to match her stern expression. The tables were very small and the wooden chairs were adorned with velvet cushions. The walls were decorated with pictures from the 1930's era set on top of flowed wallpaper. A wooden curio cabinet was backed against one wall holding dishes made of china along with various pieces of art.

The food was as amazing as the ambiance. We decided to sample and share many dishes, as is customary when eating with a group in China. While everything was delicious, I particularly enjoyed the thin wraps that were called pancakes which we stuffed with delicious duck and finely chopped vegetables in a soy-like sauce. I was not disappointed with any of the dishes and was surprised when the bill came to only 600 Yuan (about $78 US) which included several pints of beer for all of us.Brushing past the long curtains to leave, I collected a "souvenir" – a business card for "1931" with a picture on one side and a map and phone number on the other. This marketing tool is creatively used by restaurants and hotels so customers can show to cab drivers when they want to return.

You will feel incredibly safe in the French Concession section, as you should in most areas of Shanghai – disturbing foreigners is a crime! After leaving "1931" finish the night by walking down the cobble stone streets to the Ruijin hotel – an old colonial mansion. Inside building 4 you will find a unique bar called "Face". This is the perfect location to have an after dinner cappuccino while seated on the spacious patio or enjoy a slightly-above-average-price martini while relaxing on one of the plush couches.

For additional information on Shanghai travel, contact Kelly Kasic, President of GLOBAL ID, LLC. – a Management Consulting and International Market Research Company.
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How to Cope With Import Competition

Governments impose policies that affect trade between to countries, sometimes resulting in an increase of import competition. Companies have several options when faced with government influences on trade that increase import competition. One option is to move operations to a lower-cost country. This will allow companies to produce more cheaply, however many companies lack the proper resources to exercise this option. A second option is for the company to shift focus to specific market niches that attract less international competition. However, in many industries, a problem arises with identifying profitable market niches. A third option is for companies to innovate internally, in order to make domestic output more competitive. This will usually include trying to create greater efficiencies or products that are superior to the international competition. The problem is that the foreign companies usually will quickly copy any internal efficiency that is developed.

If a company cannot successfully combat import competition caused by foreign government's subsidies, they often ask their own governments for help. Companies request that their government restrict imports in their industry or open up export markets for them to compete. However, governments cannot help every company that faces competition from foreign imports. Companies stand the best chance of receiving help from their government if they ally with the other domestic companies in their industry. The government still might not be willing to help, as in most cases helping one industry will end up hurting another.

Written by Carl Phelps, Research Associate for GLOBAL ID, LLC
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The Department of Export Promotion (DEP)

As a creation of the (Thai) Ministry of Commerce, the DEP plays an essential role in the promotion of international trade with Thailand. The DEP seeks to boost exports in an effort to grow the national economy and eventually overcome Thailand's trade deficit. To achieve its goals, the DEP is focused on developing the country's core competencies to add value to locally produced goods and services. Additionally, the application of new approaches to international trade including the DEP's 53 Overseas Trade Promotion Offices, have facilitated the growth of Thailand's international trading network.

What could the DEP's strategy mean for your company?
· Employing superior technology in manufacturing will increase product quality.
· Global sourcing for raw materials, machinery, and other inputs will allow the maintenance of competitive production costs.
· Thai manufacturers will receive assistance from the DEP to raise product quality to international standards.
· The elimination of trade barriers through numerous free trade agreements, streamlining business activities.

These are just few of the benefits arising from trade in Thailand.

Written by Yeukayi Nenjerama - Facilitator of Sales and Marketing in Asian Cultures for Study Aboard Cruises

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A Common Misconception

There is a common misconception by U.S. companies that lower wage countries are less productive when in reality the opposite is true. The higher rate of unemployment in many low-wage Asian countries, as compared to the U.S. rate of unemployment, means that manufacturing companies can be more selective about who they choose to hire. The higher rate of unemployment leads to a genuinely lower turnover rate. Therefore, companies can spend more money on training and development in their Asian subsidiaries and production facilities. The end result is not just lower wages, but also higher productivity than in the U.S.

Written by Kelly Kasic, President of GLOBAL ID, LLC

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The Shanghai Experience

After recently returning to Denver from several weeks in China, I can’t wait to revisit. The purpose of this trip was to tour several businesses discussing their triumphs and struggles in the “New China”, but I also spent many days enjoying the tremendous cultural icons of this unique country.

With towering sky scrapers and an endless nightlife, Shanghai is a truly amazing experience. I recommend staying downtown near the Bund as there are several attractions close by. Your trip would not be complete without a visit to the Urban Development Center in Shanghai, followed by a leisurely stroll through the park in the People’s Square, located in the heart of the city. One thing to be aware of is that everyone will attempt to speak English to you as you peruse the shops.

After visiting the Pearl of the Orient, make sure to visit the French Quarter, specifically the restaurant 1931 – but, don’t expect to get a reservation before 10pm, the infamous restaurant is always packed.

Overall, I was surprised at how extroverted and friendly the people of Shanghai were – truly hospitable!

Written by Kelly Kasic, President of GLOBAL ID

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