CHINA The Chinese are not keen on physical contact - especially when doing business.

Body posture should always be formal and attentive as this shows you have self-control and are worthy of respect. The giving of gifts does not carry any negative connotations when doing business in China. Try and book meetings between April - June and September !ctober. Their primary aim in negotiations is "concessions". #ractice your best "poker face" before negotiating with the Chinese. USA $riendliness and informality is legendary. Communicating virtually %i.e. through email& S'S& Skype& etc( is very common with very little protocol or formality in the interaction. At the conclusion of the meeting& there will be a summary of what was decided& a list of who will implement which facets and a list of the ne)t steps to be taken and by whom. 'ost people will insist that you call them by their nickname& if they have one. *t is +uite common for the recipient to put your card in their wallet& which may then go in the back pocket of their trousers. This is not an insult.

UK ,ank is respected and businesspeople prefer to deal with people at their level. #unctuality is a very British trait. Business attire is conservative. *nviting someone out for a meal can be viewed as a gift. MIDDLE EAST $riday is the day for congregational prayers and it is obligatory for all males to attend. -andshakes are always used and can last a long time. -olding hands among men is common and does not carry the same connotations as it does in the .est. #hone calls are taken during meetings and people may enter the meeting room unannounced and proceed to discuss their own agendas. JAPAN Altruism& team-work and group cohesiveness are all areas greatly stressed within Japanese society. Status is determined by factors such as age& employment& company and family background. ,espect is conveyed through language& behaviour& eti+uette& body language and other subtle forms of non-verbal communication. *ntroduce yourself with your full name followed by your company name. /Say one& understand ten. 0)troverts are seen as brash and arrogant.

RUSSIA !n the whole ,ussians have three names. The first name is the given name while the last name is the father"s family name. The middle name is a version of the father"s first name. Their main aim is to gain concessions so there will be a lengthy process of grinding you down.

GERMANY 1ermans are often uneasy with uncertainty& ambiguity and un+uantifiable risk.