[OSL]

As I traveled in Singapore and Thailand I decided that I liked this area of the world more than any other I've ever visited. I wanted to figure out a way to move there semi-permanently.

I've spent a significant amount of time in Korea and China. Yes, it is true that both countries are regional economic juggernauts, especially China. However, I simply don't see myself wanting to start a business in either of those countries because of the local cultures and lifestyles.

During my Singapore-Korea flight I watched a documentary about a guy who is building eco-friendly resorts in Bali and, given my background, I thought that was a baller concept and lifestyle.

A lot of guys here seem to be involved in stuff like real estate, poker, and internet marketing. I was wondering if anyone has or is planning or start a business abroad - something like eco-resorts, opening a bar in Manila, import/export of goods from Asia/SA to Europe/NA, anything really.

I've been looking into exporting tea from China as a weight loss supplement (the tea really works), energy and water saving products, and eco tourism development.

[OGNorCal707]

Starting an eco-resort/boutique hotel/backpacker hostel has kind of been a dream of mine for a while now, somewhere dope like Bali, Thailand, Brazil, etc., but I imagine the "red tape", planning/work, need for local connection/contacts/hook ups, would make this a real head ache. I'd be curious if anyone on here has done something like this, or have any first hand knowledge from an acquaintance/friend of how things went for them.

[Caramel Communist]

(07-05-2010 01:07 AM)OGNorCal707 Wrote:  

Starting an eco-resort/boutique hotel/backpacker hostel has kind of been a dream of mine for a while now, somewhere dope like Bali, Thailand, Brazil, etc., but I imagine the "red tape", planning/work, need for local connection/contacts/hook ups, would make this a real head ache. I'd be curious if anyone on here has done something like this, or have any first hand knowledge from an acquaintance/friend of how things went for them.

Their is nothing that pisses the locals off like foreigners coming in and buying/starting the businesses...if it was easy their would be a million americans with resorts in Bali. I have a friend who's thailand gf moved back to start her business. The feedback I got was he's not allowed to own property and that the governement has controls on exactly how many businesses foreginers can open or start... Redtape that you can wipe your ass with for years.....

[hydrogonian]

Gotta find a spot in which you can own property as well as own over 50% of the business. Thailand allows you to do neither. I'm not sure about anywhere else, but I think a lot of the better spots in the world have prohibitive laws to keep the from being overrun. Once foreigners own too much business and land, then the natives lose control of the politics.

[AlphaQup2nite]

China is the same way. Its really a pain for foreigners to open a business without at least a Chinese partner.

The tea is an awesome idea, and if you need some help souring it, i have contacts in anhui, huian, and most of the rest of fuijian, where a lot of Chinese tea comes from, and i might be able to get you below wholesale prices if you can let me know exactly what blend you are looking for, ive been looking into it myself somewhat, but i dont really have contacts outside of China at this point, so i have no where to export to, but i think korea, or Europe would be huge. I know that England has just gotten in to tieguangyi tea in a big way.

[manilaguy]

It's crucial to have a business partner who operates in that country. It would be ideal if you live in the target country, but it is not required. Trust really pays-off. Also consider that you have to eventually travel back and forth to open and maintain network opportunities.

[Tommy]

I was in the same boat for a couple of years. Was looking into starting a more upscale nightclub in Chiangmai, opening a expat bar in Cebu and I have been product sourcing in China for a while. Now I decided to stay in Europe and do my business here and only go to south east Asia when I have free time.

So many foreigners own resorts in Bali, it's ridiclous. A friend of mine is planning on building one overthere.

[Tommy]

(07-07-2010 10:11 PM)AlphaQup2nite Wrote:  

China is the same way. Its really a pain for foreigners to open a business without at least a Chinese partner.

In China you can operate a Hong Kong company which can be 100% foreign owned and costs less to nothing.

[manilaguy]

More tips:

- Talking to taxi drivers could be helpful in getting started. Find one you can relatively trust by screening them.
- Proficiency in language AND culture goes a long way.
- It's about trust. In a land where you are an outsider, be willing to $pend to gain trust; however, don't be taken advantaged off.

[Tommy]

I do not recommend spending cash in south east Asia in order to get trust. Try to do as much on your own. Product sourcing is a great business if you have contacts and are able to establish contracts with people in Europe for example.

[manilaguy]

Regardless if spending cash is involved, you must demonstrate your value as a possible business partner.

[Tommy]

I just buy, resell and provide services to people. Unless i'm not doing this then I won't just throw money at someone "to show off my value"

[manilaguy]

Money buys influence, unfortunately.

[defguy]

Before writing off a country entirely because you cannot own land or a business in that country please consider whether or not a shelter company is what you need. A shelter company allows you to do business in a country without actually being in that country. For example, its a pain in the butt for US companies to expand into Mexico. too much red tape ie if you hire an employee and he works for you for 3 months, you cannot fire him for a year. You could have employees stop showing up for work after 3 months and still have to pay them! Theres a lot of red tape like that regarding Mexico, many other countries are the same with regard to rules and regulation.

How does a shelter company work?

Lets say you want to outsource to Mexico. When you use a shelter company what basically happens is you give the shelter company your raw materials (if you have any) and they deal with the plant, workers, government regulations etc. to manufacture your product or provide your service. There is a monthly or annual fee to use a shelter company but it saves you the money of expanding into the country and the hassle of dealing with the local government.

[Shylock]

Hey.. I also want to start my business in abroad..
So, thank you for sharing such a nice post here, I'll lead my business with the help of your comments!