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China Consumer Behavior Economics Trend Watching

China, Socialism & Consumer Behavior: Chinese tourists topped the list of big spenders in France

A report by Global Blue has found that Chinese visitors spent an average of 1,300 euros (US$1,900) every time they hit the shops […]

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China Trend Watching

Living in China: at the wake of Shanghai World Expo, lack of services in English still a challenge

Shanghai Expats are feeling a bit language-challenged in Shanghai’s taxis, buses and shopping venues, according to a report released recently.

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China

Living in China: Shanghai expats receive security blanket

Foreigners and overseas Chinese who hold a Shanghai residence card and stay in a work contract with a Shanghai employer can now enjoy the city’s social security and benefits, just as their local counterparts do: The Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau has put up a notice on its Website, stating that the policy has been in effect since October 10, 2009 […]

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China Trend Watching

Living in China: Shanghai home to 23 million by 2020

Shanghai’s population is expected to grow to 19.5 million in 2010, about 3 percent more than last year. And by 2020, the city’s total should hit 23 million, due to an increase in births, a large influx of new residents and longer life expectancies, according to a conference recently held by the Shanghai Population and Family Planning Commission […]

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China Consumer Behavior Trend Watching

Living in China: Beijing ranked as most expensive city for expatriates

A recent survey by ECA International, a London-based human resources consultant, ranked Beijing as the 31st most expensive city for expatriates in the world, surpassing Hong Kong to become the most expensive city in China […]

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China

China in World’s Eyes: Great Wall, Kungfu, Chinese food

The large-scale report of ‘China in World’s Eyes’ was issued in Beijing recently. Foreigners from more than 20 countries around the world were surveyed in the report. When asked which can represent China best, most foreigners chose the Great Wall, Kung fu and Chinese food; and 21% of them considered the Great Wall as the best thing representing China. Influenced by Hollywood films, foreigners were greatly impressed by Kung Fu; many of them even thought most Chinese could play Kung Fu…

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China Innovation

Intellectual Property: Draft amendment on China’s patent law tabled, higher penalties for violators

Less than three months after the Chinese State Council put its stamp on the patent law reform blueprint, the government submitted the draft amendment to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, for first reading recently. Tian Lipu, commissioner of the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office, said the amendment to the Patent Law would make several important changes to the application process and enforcement of the law…

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China Economics

China Restricting Visas to Foreigners, hurts Tourism

China has begun to restrict visas for foreign visitors. The Washington Post presents several perspectives on why this is happening, including Olympic security concerns and a growing sense of nationalism among Chinese. On paper, the visa rules for China have always been strict. In addition to frustrated potential visitors to China, the economy is also experiencing difficulties due to the new visa restrictions. The Wall Street Journal reports on the vacant hotels in Beijing, built for Olympic visitors and other tourists who are now hampered from entering China….

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China Economics Innovation

Intellectual Property: Introduction of China’s Intellectual Property Strategy

China has promulgated its own intellectual property strategy, which is aimed at promoting innovation and the use of new technologies by China’s industries. It’s hoped that via the implementation of the strategy, all innovations will be respected and more wealth will be created…

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China Trend Watching

Living in China: Shanghai foreigner influx doubles in five years

The number of expats living in Shanghai and those working in local foreign-invested enterprises almost doubled from 2002 to 2006, according to a Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions report released recently. Issued every five years, the report said there were a total of 119,876 expatriates living in the city in 2006, compared to 61,610 in 2002. The number of expats working in foreign-invested companies in the city increased from 40,076 to 76,873 over the same period…