CHENNAI: Days after the two Indian businessmen
held captive in a Chinese city were released, traders here are divided
in their opinion on the perils of visiting China on business.
Those dealing in high-end electronic equipment and food items remained non-committal, but others say they will think twice before taking a flight to the country.
Basheer Ahmed, a building contractor who imports tiles and bathroom fittings, said he was shocked to read the report on the two Indians held hostage by Chinese traders because a deal with their Yemeni boss went sour. But he says he was not surprised.
"The main problem is the language. A local mediator is necessary or misunderstandings happen. They will show you a product but send something else, and if you question them they get aggressive," he said.
Hundreds of traders like Ahmed travel to China to import electronic items, textiles, toys, construction material, furniture, fresh fruits and more. Traders say dealings with the Chinese have always had an element of risk and without a permanent local Chinese agent things can be difficult.
"Unless you watch out, you will get cheated. They are generally rude, especially to people from Asian countries," said Imran Khan, a builder who used to import furniture and lighting from China.
The trading communities were appalled by the Chinese government's announcement of taking action against foreign businessmen instead of against their own traders who tortured the Indians.
"The whole episode should have been condemned by their government, but at least they have been booked. We have always been cautious, we will just be extra careful now," said Ahmed. "I will not make another trip unless required. I have not faced any serious problem, but it is difficult to work there," said Khan.
Others, though, remain unfazed by these developments, saying that as long as one is prompt in payments and honest in dealings, there will be no problems.
"I have not faced problems while importing fresh fruits, and I don't think I will have any. There are cases of people paying advances and not taking delivery even in India. These are just bad apples, I will be traveling to China this year also," said Ameerul Hussain, who imports fresh fruits and vegetables.
China is also the world's biggest hub for low-end electronic spare parts and goods. "We go in groups once in three months. We are careful in our dealings, and haven't faced problems. It is an electronics heaven," said Krishna Raj, who works for an electronic store chain in the city.
Those dealing in high-end electronic equipment and food items remained non-committal, but others say they will think twice before taking a flight to the country.
Basheer Ahmed, a building contractor who imports tiles and bathroom fittings, said he was shocked to read the report on the two Indians held hostage by Chinese traders because a deal with their Yemeni boss went sour. But he says he was not surprised.
"The main problem is the language. A local mediator is necessary or misunderstandings happen. They will show you a product but send something else, and if you question them they get aggressive," he said.
Hundreds of traders like Ahmed travel to China to import electronic items, textiles, toys, construction material, furniture, fresh fruits and more. Traders say dealings with the Chinese have always had an element of risk and without a permanent local Chinese agent things can be difficult.
"Unless you watch out, you will get cheated. They are generally rude, especially to people from Asian countries," said Imran Khan, a builder who used to import furniture and lighting from China.
The trading communities were appalled by the Chinese government's announcement of taking action against foreign businessmen instead of against their own traders who tortured the Indians.
"The whole episode should have been condemned by their government, but at least they have been booked. We have always been cautious, we will just be extra careful now," said Ahmed. "I will not make another trip unless required. I have not faced any serious problem, but it is difficult to work there," said Khan.
Others, though, remain unfazed by these developments, saying that as long as one is prompt in payments and honest in dealings, there will be no problems.
"I have not faced problems while importing fresh fruits, and I don't think I will have any. There are cases of people paying advances and not taking delivery even in India. These are just bad apples, I will be traveling to China this year also," said Ameerul Hussain, who imports fresh fruits and vegetables.
China is also the world's biggest hub for low-end electronic spare parts and goods. "We go in groups once in three months. We are careful in our dealings, and haven't faced problems. It is an electronics heaven," said Krishna Raj, who works for an electronic store chain in the city.
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