Economy > FAQ

Can the Consulate General send me a list of Dutch companies in Shanghai?
No. The Consulate General has a list of companies in Shanghai and the surrounding provinces, but regards the information therein as confidential, and therefore does not share the list with others. If you want information on particular companies in a specific sector, we can try to make a shortlist for you, with permission from the companies. However, all well-known Dutch companies are represented in Shanghai, so an internet search should already provide you with a lot of information.

Can the Consulate General help me to find a job in Shanghai?
In order to find a job in Shanghai, you can place a free ad in the newspaper of Dutch Association in Shanghai (hetkrantje@gmail.com) or in the Newsflash of the Benelux Business Association (BBA, see link in the navigation menu). The Consulate General does not intermediate in finding jobs. For job openings at the Consulate General, see Vacatures.

Should I pay money for the services of the Consulate General?
No. All economic services are free.

Could you help me find addresses of potential agents / distributors?
Yes. At your request the economic section of the Consulate General can assist you in finding potential agents / distributors. The clearer and more specific your request, the better the Consulate can help you. The contact information of potential counterparts, which will then be provided to you, is “unfiltered”, i.e. it is up to you to find out whether the Chinese company is interested in doing business with you.

Could you help me find addresses of suppliers of a certain domestic product?
Yes. See the answer to the above question.

Could you help me find addresses of local authorities?
Yes. Just send an e-mail with a specific request.

Could you help me do a market advice of a certain sector/ product?
Yes, but the intake has to take place at the EVD (Economische Voorlichtingsdienst) in the Hague. The EVD will determine if a Market Orientation Advice (MOA) will be done by the economic network in China, of which the Consulate General in Shanghai is a part. See www.evd.nl for further details.

Do you have information on trade-related regulations (customs, establishing business)?
Yes. For regulations concerning establishing business please see the appropiate chapter in the navigation menu. Trade-related regulations are constantly subject to change. You can find some general information under Trade, or send us an e-mail with a specific question.

Could you give assistance in obtaining the approval for setting up new businesses (JV, branch office, rep. office, WFOE etc.) from local authorities?
No. Apart from giving advice, directing you to the relevant local authorities and the information provided under Establishing business, the Consulate General does not assist in applying for approval, licenses etc. You can do this by yourself, or a Chinese consultant can do it for you (which is generally quicker and less frustrating…) The Consulate can provide you with a list of consultants, lawyers, banks etc.

Can you give assistance in trade-related disputes with local authorities / companies?
This depends. The Consulate can look into the dispute and send a letter to the relevant authorities in certain cases. Each case should be judged individually. The Consulate General will need all relevant documentation from you. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

I am organising a trade mission to Shanghai. What can you do for me?
The Consulate General can assist you in several ways, depending on the size and objective of the mission, Dutch government involvement, your experience in Shanghai,  specific wishes you may have, and other obligations of the Consulate General. We can help you to draft a program, make certain appointments, arrange company visits or organise a reception. You should make hotel reservations, arrange transportation etc. on your own (or through a travel agency). Please contact us in order to discuss ways of cooperation.

Can you organise matchmaking (individual business to business talks) for a number of companies during a trade mission?
A few times a year, the Consulate General organises matchmaking events. Since this takes a lot of time and capacity of the economic section, please contact us a few months in advance. The Consulate General may refuse organising the matchmaking if the time deadline is too soon or if there is a conflict with other activities.

We are a group of students visiting Shanghai. What can you do for us?
Student groups and individual research projects are not a priority of the Consulate General. Depending on other activities, we can receive a student group at the Consulate for an economic briefing. We do not help student groups to arrange their program.

Could you give assistance in supporting/ pushing projects with local authorities?
Yes. Please contact us for an appointment to discuss your project and possible strategies.

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