Mr Song is regional sales manager for a multinational telecommunications company. He is Shanghainese and has lived in the city all his life.What makes your city special?
The Xintiandi Complex. It’s a great place to impress clients with an evening meal and it’s uniquely Shanghainese.
What’s one thing that every visitor to Shanghai must see?
You have to go down to the river side and see the Bund. It’s Shanghai’s most famous landmark and we’re very proud of it. No other city in China looks like this.
Can you name one thing that makes the Shanghai business environment unique?
Shanghai is China’s most credible business environment. The presence of multinational companies and many foreign residents, in addition to effective government policies (both trade and monetary), has resulted in a reliable, standardised business atmosphere. There are special economic and trade circumstances operating here that don’t exist elsewhere in China.
What’s the number one mistake foreign business people make in China?
The value of personal relationships is often overlooked, especially regarding entertaining clients. I find that our practice of hosting business meals and gift-gifting is not often reciprocated by foreign business people.
What’s the best restaurant you’ve taken a client to and what did an average dish cost?
Xiao Nan Guo, the oldest chain restaurant in Shanghai, is a great place for business dinners. These restaurants are easy to find and the food is great. The average dish is only RMB50 (€3.30).
What’s the best souvenir to take home from Shanghai?
An elaborately embroidered shirt or dress. Silk bags or purses are fail-safe.