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Meetings

• In Hong Kong, people generally enter a meeting in order of importance – the highest ranking person arriving first and so on. The same goes for introductions.
• Be punctual. If you are late, be sure to apologise for your tardiness.
• You are expected to greet all people present individually, even if the group is large.
• Hong Kongers may be interested in knowing your age so they can address you properly.
• Receiving Business Cards: Asian culture interprets the attention and respect you show someone's business card as indicative of the respect you will show the individual in business. Use both hands or the right hand alone to receive a business card. Do not put the card away immediately, but regard it carefully and place it before you on the table until everyone is seated. Do not put it in the back pocket of your pants as this could be taken as you sitting on their face. Similarly, do not fold the card or write on it unless directed.
• Presenting Business Cards: Use both hands or the right hand alone when presenting a business card, ensuring that the writing is facing the other person. Do not deal out your cards as if you were playing a game of cards, as this risks being interpreted as rude.
• Allow a few moments of social conversation to pass before mentioning business.
• When it’s your turn to speak, begin by providing in-depth information about your company, its history, the context of the negotiations, and all the corresponding details. If you do not, expect to be asked many questions until you’ve covered all this information.
• Expect discussions to take time as each individual component or matter is deliberated. People often revisit points from previous meetings to ensure thorough consideration.
• Decision-making is influenced by hierarchical structures, with deference given to those of higher status. As a result, discussions may be extended to allow time for consulting superiors.
• Periodic moments of silence are common for reflection on what has been said. Avoid interrupting these contemplative pauses if possible, as this can seem impatient.
• Expect there to be periodic moments of silence for contemplation of what has been said. Avoid interruption of this.
• Outward displaying signs of frustration, impatience or anger may be viewed negatively and cause a loss of face.
• Avoid procrastinating or unnecessarily delaying the meeting.

Efficient Business Communication

Hong Kongers are known for their discerning business acumen and efficiency. When dealing with them, it's essential to remember that they prioritise bottom-line results. Embellishments, excessive details or padding are often seen as counterproductive and may be dismissed. Being straightforward, clear, and concise about your objectives from the outset helps build trust and respect. Hong Kong businesspeople value factual information and may press for clarity if your proposal appears vague. This is not usually a sign of impatience but rather a desire to understand the core value of your offering.

While Hong Kongers might occasionally respond with ambiguity, their overall business communication style is generally direct. Nonetheless, it's important to remember that aggression and impatience are viewed as disrespectful. Avoid pressuring your Hong Kong business partners during negotiations. Instead, give them the time to think things through and make informed decisions. A calm, polite, and patient approach will likely be appreciated and more effective in reaching a business outcome.

Considerations

• Hong Kongers often use a Westernised given name when dealing with foreign businesspeople. See Naming for more information.
• Workplaces in Asia are definitively hierarchical based on age and position, and everyone has a distinct place and role within their company. Decisions are made from the top of the hierarchy but are generally reached quickly.
• For the sake of saving face, a Hong Konger will seldom give a flat negative response to proposals made, even when they do not agree with it. Therefore, focus on hints of hesitation. Listen to what they say, but also pay close attention to what they don’t say and double-check your understanding.
• Hong Kongers commonly prefer to take a long-term approach to business relationships. Therefore, they often want to know a great deal about their partners in order to build the trust and loyalty needed to support business in the future. You may consider a lot of the questions asked to be unrelated to the point at hand but try to be patient and provide answers for the sake of the business relationship. Introductions by a trusted third party are almost a necessity to beginning any business relationship.
• Pragmatism rules decision-making in Hong Kong, which makes for flexible and adaptable negotiations. Expect people to apply rules that suit the realistic situation as opposed to the hypothetical.
• Unlike in mainland China, gifts are not exchanged regularly in Hong Kong business culture.
• The 2023 Corruption Perception Index ranked Hong Kong 14th out of 180 countries, receiving a score of 75/100. This metric suggests that the country’s public sector is relatively clean from corruption.¹