The Negotiation

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley has an engaging conversation with Grace Wu, Director of Business for the Australia-China Culture and Language Advisory (ACCLA) and a notable lifestyle and education influencer on Little Red Book. Grace brings a unique perspective on the cultural and educational exchange between Australia and China, alongside insights from her influential presence on one of China's premier social media platforms. Grace shares the story and mission of ACCLA, detailing the organization's efforts to bridge cultural and language gaps between Australia and China. She provides insightful data on the number of Chinese individuals pursuing studies and careers in Australia and places this in the context of global trends. Furthermore, Grace delves into the cultural adjustments and challenges faced by new arrivals in Australia, highlighting surprising and noteworthy observations. Moving beyond her professional role, Grace discusses her journey into this field and her impactful work as an influencer on Little Red Book. She offers a glimpse into the content she shares with her audience, focusing on frequency and themes. Grace also provides an overview of Little Red Book, comparing it to Western social media platforms and discussing its unique place in the digital landscape. The conversation also touches on the demographics of Grace's audience, both in Australia and China, and comments on recent Western interest in Chinese-style advice through Little Red Book. Discussion Points:The mission and services offered by the ACCLATrends in Chinese individuals going to Australia for study and workCultural challenges faced by new arrivals in AustraliaGrace Wu's personal journey to her current rolesHer experience and strategy as a Little Red Book influencerAn introduction to Little Red Book and its comparison to Western platformsThe geographic distribution of Grace's audienceWestern interest in Chinese netizens' style advice on Little Red BookThe current state and future prospects of Australia-China relations

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley welcomes Gerald Hoe, Head of Global Marketplace ROW at Coupang, one of South Korea's premier e-commerce platforms.  With its customer-centric and innovative approach, Coupang has cemented its position as a leader in the South Korean digital marketplace. Gerald provides a comprehensive overview of how Coupang has revolutionized the way Korean consumers shop online. He compares Coupang's robust ecosystem to other global internet giants, shedding light on its unique market position and the array of services that cater to a wide array of consumer needs. The conversation delves into the specifics of the Coupang online retail app, highlighting its distinctive features and the wide range of benefits for both consumers and merchants. Gerald discusses the success behind the platform's intuitive design, seamless user experience, and fast delivery systems that address the modern consumer's needs.  A significant focus is placed on the potential for international brands within the South Korean market, particularly given the country's success in exporting its own consumer brands. Gerald explores the growing appetite for overseas brands and outlines why Coupang is the ideal platform for international merchants looking to tap into this vibrant market. Moreover, Gerald provides a blueprint for foreign brands aiming to enter the South Korean e-commerce space, including strategic insights into livestreaming e-commerce's popularity and the hottest consumer sectors driving consumption in South Korea. The episode offers a deep dive into the cultural and lifestyle trends shaping consumer behavior, providing valuable guidance for brands looking to make their mark. Discussion Points:Overview of Coupang and its impact on South Korea's digital landscapeUnique features of the Coupang retail appThe market's appetite for importing international brandsThe advantages of becoming a merchant on CoupangStrategies for foreign brands entering the South Korean marketThe popularity and influence of live streaming e-commerce in South KoreaCurrent consumer sectors and lifestyle trends driving consumption

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Leif Rogers and Gino Gordon of Red Phoenix Entertainment, a sports marketing agency facilitating the expansion of North American sports, athletes, and franchises into Asian markets. Leif, the Founder and CEO, alongside Gino, Chief Strategy Officer, share their unique insights and experiences in bridging sports cultures across continents. The conversation further explores the popularity of North American sports in China, with Leif providing an analysis of Chinese viewership trends, including interest in events like the Super Bowl and the particular appeal of various sports and athletes. Gino—who previously played professional American football in Japan—contrasts these insights by discussing the sports landscape in Japan, noting the differences and similarities with China. He also shares his perspective on the Shohei Ohtani phenomenon and its broader implications for sports marketing and athlete endorsements. Leif discusses the intricacies of international sports sponsorships, exemplified by the partnership between LingLong Tire and the Tampa Bay Lightning, delving into hockey's growing popularity in China. He reflects on the NHL's past engagement in China and offers strategic advice for future endeavours, emphasizing the potential missed opportunities and advocating for a more aggressive re-entry into the Chinese market. Together, Leif and Gino highlight notable campaigns and the commercial prospects surrounding the upcoming Summer Olympics. They conclude with a compelling argument for why Western sports entities and athletes should consider Asia as a fertile ground for growth, underlining the vast opportunities awaiting in this dynamic market. Discussion Points:The founding and mission of Red Phoenix EntertainmentGino's transition from professional football in Japan to sports marketingThe popularity of North American sports in China and the Super Bowl's receptionDifferences in the sports landscape between Japan and ChinaThe impact of Shohei Ohtani's move to the Dodgers and sports marketing dynamics in JapanThe partnership between LingLong Tire and the Tampa Bay Lightning and hockey's popularity in ChinaThe NHL's engagement strategy in China and potential future directionsNotable campaigns and the role of individual athletes in expanding into the Asian marketCommercial opportunities around the upcoming Summer OlympicsThe value proposition for sports entities and athletes eyeing expansion into Asia 

Global skiing participation is on the decline—but in one crucial market, skiing is perhaps the hottest recreational pastime, with millions of people taking up the sport in the last few years.  That market is China. In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back Justin Downes, who has led efforts to develop snow resorts across China over the last two decades.  As President of Axis Leisure Management, Justin has played a crucial role in growing China’s ski industry and developing the infrastructure for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. He is the pre-eminent expert on China’s ski industry.   Justin provides an overview of his work in the Chinese ski industry, detailing its development and operational challenges. He analyzes the current state of skiing in China, including participation rates and the number of skiing venues, which both rank among the highest in the world. He also looks at the average Chinese skier, including income levels, where they live, how often they ski, and the drivers behind broader participation. Reflecting on the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Downes shares insights on its impact on China's ski industry. He discusses the state of elite competitive skiing in China post-Olympics, the performance of Chinese athletes in international competitions, and the significance of China hosting the recent FIS Freestyle World Cup. The episode also explores developments in resort construction and the potential for China to emerge as an international skiing destination. Additionally, Downes assesses opportunities for ski equipment and winter apparel brands in the Chinese market. Listen to this episode for an in-depth discussion on the growth and future of skiing in China with industry expert Justin Downes. Discussion Points:Justin Downes' role in developing China's ski industryOverview of skiing in China, including participation and venue comparisons globallyThe 23-24 ski season's success in ChinaDemographics and characteristics of the average Chinese skierImpact of the 2022 Beijing Olympics on the ski industryThe state of elite competitive skiing in China and notable athletesThe FIS Freestyle World Cup in ChinaTrends in ski resort development and indoor skiing facilitiesChina's potential as a skiing destinationOpportunities for ski equipment and winter apparel brands in China

In our latest episode of The Negotiation podcast, we're excited to welcome back Mark Dreyer, a luminary in the world of sports in China.  With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Mark gives us a sneak peek into the key stories and athletes poised to make headlines for China in the upcoming summer games, and whether China is expected to dominate the medal table.  Mark highlights the feel-good story of Zheng Qingwen and her remarkable performance at the Australian Open, as well as the rising popularity of F1 racing in China, evidenced by the anticipation surrounding the Shanghai F1 and the hype around homegrown talent Zhou Guanyu. Additionally, we touch upon the cultural phenomenon of Lionel Messi’s stardom in China and the recent drama surrounding him sitting out a friendly match in Hong Kong. Mark also provides insights into the current state of Chinese men's and women's football.  Finally, Mark highlights the noticeable upswing in recreational sports participation fueled by a growing focus on health and wellness, including the explosion in ski participation in the wake of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Join host Todd Embley and guest Mark Dreyer for a comprehensive exploration of China's dynamic sports landscape in this must-listen episode of The Negotiation. Discussion Points:High-level takeaways from the 2022 Beijing Olympics and its impact on ChinaThe burgeoning ski scene in China, from elite competition success to recreational skiingInsights into China's performance and expectations for the Paris OlympicsThe inspiring journey of Zheng Qingwen at the Australian OpenThe growing popularity of F1 racing in China, spotlighting the Shanghai F1 eventMessi’s recent PR crisis around a Hong Kong-friendly matchThe current landscape of Chinese men's and women's footballThe rise in recreational sports participation among the Chinese populationNotable recreational sports gaining traction in China

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, we're excited to have Crystal Tai, Senior Managing Editor at Jing Daily, rejoin us for a deep dive into evolving fashion and lifestyle trends in China.  Jing Daily is the premier source for insights into China's digital consumption trends and luxury market, and Crystal brings her extensive expertise back to our listeners, offering a fresh perspective on what's currently shaping the market. Crystal brings us up to speed on the burgeoning popularity of Canadian athleisure and winterwear brands within China. She discusses the impressive traction gained by giants like Lululemon, Canada Goose, and Arc’teryx, alongside smaller players such as Rudsak and Nobis. Her recent analysis sheds light on how the changing lifestyles of Chinese consumers are driving demand in this space. She also explores whether functionality trumps fashion in this sector and what this burgeoning demand signifies for Canadian brands across other market segments. Moreover, Crystal provides an exclusive overview of five fashion trends poised to dominate 2024, offering valuable insights for brands aiming to connect with Chinese consumers. From the revival of “Chinese style” to trends like Asian Baby Girl, Kidulthood, Quiet Luxury, and the nostalgic return of Y2K fashion, she unpacks the cultural shifts and societal changes driving these trends. Each trend reflects a nuanced understanding of the evolving priorities among Chinese consumers, underscoring the importance for brands to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, Crystal shares her latest findings on Chinese tourism and travel consumption trends. With over a year passed since the lifting of Covid restrictions, she paints a vivid picture of the current tourism market in China. Where are Chinese tourists heading, and what motivates their travel choices now? Crystal's reporting offers a comprehensive look at the post-pandemic recovery of the tourism sector and the new destinations capturing the imagination of Chinese travellers. Join host Todd Embley and Crystal Tai for this insightful conversation, exploring the intersection of culture, lifestyle, and consumer behaviour in China's dynamic market.  Whether you're a brand looking to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market or simply keen on understanding the latest trends, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and intriguing discussions. Key Discussion Points·      The increasing popularity of Canadian athleisure and winterwear brands in China·      The impact of changing lifestyles on consumer preferences in China·      The balance between functionality and fashion in the athleisure and winterwear market·      The significance of Canadian brands in China and their influence across various sectors·      An overview of Jing Daily as a premier source for luxury, retail, and lifestyle trends in China·      The five fashion trends set to shape 2024 and their reflection on societal changes in China·      The revival of the "new Chinese style" and its cultural implications·      Insights into trends such as Asian Baby Girl, Kidulthood, Quiet Luxury, and Y2K fashion·      The evolution of Chinese tourism and travel consumption post-Covid restrictions·      Destination preferences among Chinese tourists and the motivations behind their travel choices

In this episode of The Negotiation, Todd sits down with Filip Zieliński, a seasoned entrepreneur and long-time China resident with a wealth of experience across various industries, including green energy, tech, F&B, retail, and education.The conversation starts with a deep dive into China’s booming green energy space. Filip has had a front-row seat to China’s EV revolution - shaking up the global auto industry - through his work for Green Cell, a leading green battery company. Filip also shares details on his latest venture, which aims to help Chinese students gain admission to top global universities. He breaks down how China’s engagement with international education has changed in recent years with the disruptions of the pandemic and a more mature “consumer” of international education opportunities.Finally, we deep dive into China’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem. Filip has an optimistic view of China’s start-up scene and highlights several sectors primed for significant growth, especially in biotech and hard tech. Listeners will find much to learn from Filip's fascinating business journey in China.Topics Discussed and Key Points: A glimpse into China's green energy and education sectors.The allure of Shenzhen and China's diverse local business environments.Green Cell and the electric vehicle revolution in China.Entrepreneurial challenges in China's education sector.Thriving industries in China, including biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and battery production for electric vehicles.The evolution of retail technology in China.Global immigration through startup visas.The role of intensive preparatory services.Data-driven decision making in college applications.The power of networking in education.

In this episode of The Negotiation, we welcome back to the show, Charles Lavoie, VP of Marketing & Head of Creative Labs at WPIC Marketing & Technologies and longtime guest of the pod. In our conversation, we explore the transformation that China's e-commerce scene has witnessed due to the rise of Douyin, which has provided global brands with a new platform to connect with Chinese consumers We examine how Douyin fostered consumer trust by initially incentivizing local brands to lower their prices, gradually cultivating a habit of buying through the app. As trust in the platform increased, larger international brands joined the mix. Today, Douyin hosts not just discounted items, but serves as a launching pad for innovative brand initiatives and drives substantial revenue. Charles dives deep into how the brand strategy on Douyin differs from Tmall and the comparative advantages of each platform. Our discussion also touches on Little Red Book Pinduoduo, and how these platforms reshape brand strategy.  Finally, Charles also explains why a comparable video-driven social commerce platform has not emerged in the West. Enjoy this insightful conversation on some of the most significant trends in China's retail marketing landscape!   Topics Discussed and Key Points: ●      Rise of Douyin●      The difficulties of growing Douyin-like platforms in the West●      Most successful product categories on Douyin●      The process for brand store setup and operation on Douyin●      Marketing on Tmall vs. Douyin●      Livestreaming and influencer collaboration on Tmall vs Douyin●      Keyword bidding and consumer intent●      Attribution in closed ecosystems: Understanding consumer behaviour, tracking data importance●      The rise of micro-influencers in China●      The impact of Little Red Book●      The culture of excessive discounting in China●      Pinduoduo and brand strategy: platform potential, consumer behaviour, collaboration strategies●      Impact of AI on search engines●      Lesser-known platforms and trends in China

We dive into the evolving e-commerce and consumer trends in China for 2024, starting with analyzing the performance and tactics of leading e-commerce giants like Douyin, Pinduoduo, Taobao, and Tmall. What drove ByteDance's revenue growth of 30% to $110 billion? How is Pinduoduo's western-facing discount platform Temu adding to its incredible growth, if at all? And where does all of this leave Alibaba, the darling of e-commerce in China for over a decade?Our discussion also touches on the influence of changing consumption patterns and consumer confidence on the market dynamics. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of China's digital commerce landscape. Enjoy!Topics Discussed and Key Points:Overview of China's e-commerce landscapeMajor e-commerce platforms in ChinaThe rise of video in e-commerceSocial shopping and group buying trendsEstablished marketplaces and their innovationsChanging consumption norms in ChinaConsumer confidence factorsPredictions for the future of e-commerce in China

In this episode of The Negotiation, we are thrilled to feature Andrew Methven, author of the Slow Chinese newsletter, one of the leading resources for keeping up to date with modern Mandarin language trends. Andrew's journey from a planetary science graduate to a Chinese language enthusiast is as fascinating as it is unconventional. Facing limited career prospects in space exploration, he embarked on an overland journey from London to Australia, including a detour in China that ended up lasting one year.Fascinated by his experience in China, Andrew moved to Taiwan after a stint in Australia and immersed himself in learning Mandarin. His journey led him back to the UK, where he pursued a master's degree in Chinese translation and linguistics. Today, Andrew's career is closely linked to China, and he uses the Slow Chinese newsletter to practice and maintain his language skills.Sign up for the Slow Chinese newsletter HERE! In our conversation, Andrew shares his unconventional language-learning journey. He discusses the challenges of learning Chinese, including the lack of resources and opportunities in the UK and other Western countries. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context and history behind the language. He shares how his newsletter aims to provide this context through language learning—and specifically keeping up with modern language trends, which reflect broader social trends in China. He also explains some of the popular memes that have captivated the Chinese internet in recent years. It’s a fascinating discussion on a fascinating language—and how those who are learning Mandarin as a second language can hone their skills to understand China better.Topics Discussed and Key PointsAndrew's unconventional path to learning ChineseDecline in Mandarin language education in the UK and Western countriesChallenges of learning Chinese due to distance and lack of accessibilityLack of promotion and understanding of the importance of learning about China and ChineseImportance of understanding cultural context and history in language learningChallenges of understanding connotations and intentions behind Chinese words and phrasesFocus on connecting language to different types of contexts in the newsletterInteresting cultural references and memes, including during recent Halloween celebrations in China

In this episode of The Negotiation, we're delighted to speak with Claire Urry, Chief Commercial Officer at the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), the premier British organization dedicated to fostering trade and investment between the UK and China. Calling in from the picturesque English town of Horncastle, Claire gives a detailed breakdown of the UK and China’s robust trading relationship, which has benefited British businesses and communities across the country.  Claire explains the pivotal role of the CBBC in promoting UK-China trade, including providing support to British businesses looking to export to China. As a part of that service offering, Claire was recently in Shanghai to attend CIIE and FHC alongside a large delegation of British businesses. Claire shares her observations from the trade shows as well as her takeaways from her first visit to Shanghai in four years.  Our conversation also touches on the British sectors ripe for growth in China; the factors that explain the success of several British brands in China; and the sentiment of British business and government elites towards China. Enjoy! Topics Discussed and Key Points●      Claire's recent experiences in Shanghai and her impressions of the city.●      The role and impact of the CBBC.●      Opportunities and challenges in the Chinese market.●      Growth sectors in China, including health and wellness, beauty and personal care, fashion, sports and leisure, and home and lifestyle.●      Successful strategies of UK brands in China, focusing on strong brand narratives and authenticity.●      The resonance of food and drink brands with Chinese consumers.●      The relationship between politics and UK-China business dynamics, and the imperative of maintaining a strong, cooperative partnership.

In this episode of The Negotiation, we sit down with Denni Hu, a Shanghai-based journalist for Women's Wear Daily (WWD), a premier fashion industry publication. Our discussion with Denni covers a range of topics, including the latest fashion, consumer, and lifestyle trends in China. We delve into Denni’s career path, the expansion of luxury brands in China, and the intriguing interplay between fashion and food in China's cafe pop-ups. The conversation also touches on the increasing popularity of certain sports and lifestyle trends, the widespread acceptance of yoga pants as everyday wear, and the emergence of Chinese fashion designers on the global stage. Additionally, we explore the concept store boom, the impact of user-generated content on brand promotion, and the strength of domestic brands and designers in the beauty and fashion sectors in China. Topics Discussed and Key Points:●      The resilience and growth of luxury brands in China amidst economic challenges.●      The dynamics of China's retail market.●      The innovative fusion of fashion and food in China's cafe pop-ups.●      Trends in sports and lifestyle, including the normalization of yoga pants as everyday attire in China.●      The rising global popularity of Chinese fashion designers.●      The influence of user-generated content and social media on the fashion industry in China.●      The investments needed to cultivate a brand's aura.●      The growing prominence of domestic brands and designers in China’s fashion and beauty sectors.

In this episode of The Negotiation, we are delighted to feature Heidi Dugan, Chair of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AustCham).  Heidi joins the show at a critical juncture in Australian-China relations. After several years of frosty ties, Canberra and Beijing are taking steps to normalize the bilateral relationship—most notably by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese making a state visit to China earlier in November. Heidi discusses the work AustCham did around the state visit and the China International Import Expo (CIIE), as well as the broader efforts they are making to improve Australian-China relations.  With relations warming, Heidi speaks about her optimism for better trade and investment between Australia and China. She pinpoints key growth sectors for Australian businesses in China, including health and wellness, education, and cosmetics.  Having lived in China for nearly 30 years, Heidi also shares her insights on why Chinese consumers think so highly of Australian consumer brands.  This is a fascinating conversation with one of the most prominent Australian business leaders in China.  Topics Discussed and Key Points:●      An introduction to the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) in Shanghai.●      The crucial role of storytelling in brand development and investment in the Chinese market.●      Exploring growth opportunities in sectors such as medical equipment, health and wellness, education, and cosmetics in China.●      Insights into the sentiment among Australian business leaders towards China.●      A detailed look at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and Australia's involvement.●      The impact of Singles Day on Australian brands and the evolving maturity of the Chinese consumer market.

In this episode of The Negotiation, we're thrilled to feature Jing Zhang, a renowned fashion journalist and consultant. Jing currently serves as the Global Editor in Chief of Jing Daily, the leading publication on luxury and fashion trends in China.The health of the Chinese consumer has been hotly debated throughout 2023—conflicting market signals have given oxygen to bulls and bears alike. On one hand, luxury spending is up, but pressures on the housing market have led to increased savings and less spending on large durables. So what’s really going on, and how can brands adapt?In this episode, Jing brings her expert insights to the table to shed light on the priorities of Chinese consumers in this new landscape.Our conversation touches on many topics, beginning with Jing’s unexpected journey into fashion journalism. Jing then shares her assessment of Chinese consumer confidence and how consumer preferences have shifted. We also explore the rise of domestic beauty brands, the gradual recovery of the tourism industry, and the impact of mental health on Chinese consumer trends. Jing offers her insights into the Chinese fashion industry, the repercussions of the pandemic, and the evolving nature of Chinese consumerism.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding Chinese lifestyle and consumer trends.Topics Discussed and Key Points:Chinese consumer confidence in 2023Factors influencing consumer confidenceWinners and losers in China's luxury market for 2023Spending and lifestyle trends among young consumersThe effect of mental health on young consumersThe emergence of domestic brands and designersThe pandemic's impact on luxury brands and tourismComparing e-commerce and offline channels in luxury spending

Welcome to our landmark 200th episode of The Negotiation Podcast! The last four years have been rich with meaningful discussions, profound insights, and memorable moments—and we’re excited about what the future will bring.In this celebratory episode, we are delighted to host the co-founders of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, Jacob and Joseph Cooke. We delve into WPIC's impressive expansion in China, particularly their new office in Shanghai, and reminisce about the company's significant growth since the podcast was launched four years agoWe further explore the evolution of e-commerce in China, spotlighting the surging popularity of live-streaming sales and the increasing diversification of the sector. The Cooke brothers candidly share their experiences navigating the pandemic and how it acted as a catalyst in shifting the world more towards e-commerce. We also touch upon the future horizons and expansion blueprints for WPIC.Thank you for being part of this journey, and here's to many more enlightening episodes!Topics Discussed and Key Points:Commemorating the 200th episode milestoneA look back at WPIC Marketing + Technologies last four yearsUnveiling of WPIC's new office in ShanghaiDelving into the evolution and dynamics of China's e-commerce sceneWPIC's expansion into Japan and Southeast AsiaAssessing the pandemic's influence on WPIC and the e-commerce transitionA sneak peek into exciting news and upcoming endeavours for the podcast

We are excited to welcome Noah Fraser to this episode of The Negotiation. Noah is based in Beijing, serving as Managing Director, China, for the Canada China Business Council (CCBC).  In our conversation, Noah discusses the business landscape in China for Canadian companies, highlighting the enormous opportunities in sectors like consumer goods, agriculture, and more. He also breaks down CCBC’s government engagement priorities, advocacy for improved market access, and the current environment for foreign investment.   Noah talks about CCBC’s upcoming Annual General Meeting in Beijing, which will welcome a large delegation of Canadian business and government leaders for the first time since before the pandemic. Noah also touches on the Belt and Road Forum, which he attended this week in Beijing alongside representatives from 150 countries.  In closing, Noah shares his experience suiting up in the Beijing International Ice Hockey League and his observations on the rise of hockey in China. Topics Discussed and Key Points:●      The Belt and Road Initiative●      Return of high-level visits to China●      CCBC’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM)●      Challenges and opportunities for Canadian companies in the Chinese market●      The significance of building strong local relationships and understanding the complexities of the Chinese market●      China's approach to foreign investment and the challenges and opportunities it presents●      CCBC’s government engagement priorities and advocating for improved market access●      The Beijing International Ice Hockey League

In this episode of The Negotiation, we are delighted to welcome back Jacob Cooke, Co-Founder and CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies.  In our conversation with Jacob, we talk about the consumption surge during China's Golden Week, which saw over 800 million domestic trips and more than $100 billion in spending. He highlights other booming sectors like travel, athleisure, and lifestyle, despite macro pressures on Chinese consumers. Jacob also talks about the rise of "special forces tourism" and predicts continued growth in off-the-beaten-path destinations. We also touch on the upcoming Singles Day and the relationship between real estate prices and consumption. Topics Discussed and Key Points:●      Golden Week's impact on consumer trends●      Consumption recovery during Golden Week●      Increase in domestic trips and spending during Golden Week●      Weakness in sectors like large durable appliances and auto, but strong performance in personal consumption, travel, athleisure, and lifestyle ●      The rise of "special forces tourism"●      Singles’ Day optimism ●      Growth in health and wellness, athleisure, nutraceuticals, and pet products

In this episode of The Negotiation, we are excited to welcome MJ Park, Key Account Manager at WPIC Marketing + Technologies, to discuss the South Korean e-commerce market.  With over a decade of experience in marketing and business management in both Korea and Canada, MJ Park brings a wealth of knowledge about the e-commerce landscape in South Korea, the world's fifth-largest e-commerce market. In our conversation, MJ discussed popular platforms like Naver Shopping and Coupang and booming consumer sectors such as wellness and health supplements. We touch on the market for secondhand goods, local life services like food delivery, and the appetite for international brands in South Korea. We also dive into practical strategies for entering South Korea, including how to set up e-stores and which platforms brands should prioritize for digital marketing.  Topics Discussed and Key Points:●      The e-commerce giants of South Korea●      Comparison of South Korean platforms to Chinese platforms●      Notable consumer trends in South Korea●      The secondhand market in South Korea●      The ecosystem of local life services in South Korea, such as food delivery platforms●      The appetite for international brands in South Korea

In this episode of The Negotiation, we are honoured to welcome Michael Hart, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China).In our conversation, Michael discusses his background and 20-year business career in Mainland China. He talks about the vital work of AmCham, which includes policy advocacy, business development support, and community building for American businesses in China. Michael shares his view on member companies' current business environment and investment outlook. We also talk about the chamber's interaction with different levels of government in China and the eagerness to attract foreign direct investment.Michael has a unique window into what America’s largest companies are thinking and doing on the ground in China—it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to understand US-China relations and China’s business landscape.  Topics Discussed and Key Points:●      The role of AmCham China●      The evolving business environment in China●      The US-China relationship and its impact on US business in China●      China’s 24 points to encourage investment●      The "great decoupling" during the COVID-19 pandemic●      The impact of foreign investment in China●      Importance of feedback in policy changes and promoting progress●      Interaction of AmCham with local and central governments in China●      Understanding the different levels of government in China●      The current state of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China●      Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China: government’s eagerness, key sectors, and timing●      The future of investment in China●      AmCham's upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., and the message they will deliver

In this episode of The Negotiation, we are excited to be joined by Shai Oster, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who recently served as Asia Bureau Chief for The Information. Shai previously worked at the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, with postings spanning China, Europe, and the U.S. He's now working as an independent strategy and communications consultant based out of Bangkok. In our conversation with Shai, we dive into various topics related to China's economy, the tech industry, and investment flows. We explore different sectors in China, such as biotech, clean tech, and semiconductors. We also talk about the rise of electric vehicles in China, the success of Chinese auto exports, and how that’s playing out on the ground in places like Bangkok. We conclude our conversation by looking at the platform economy in Southeast Asia, including a breakdown of the e-commerce, food delivery, and digital payment ecosystem in Thailand.  Topics Discussed and Key Points:●      Economic changes in China●      The current state of China's tech industry●      Challenges in the IPO market●      The rise of Chinese electric vehicles ●      Chinese investment in Thailand's EV industry and the international expansion of Chinese automakers●      Electric vehicle adoption's impact on electricity prices and household grids●      The dominance of Lazada and Shopee in Southeast Asia e-commerce●      Importance of payments infrastructure and role of banks●      Comparison of payment processes in China and the US●      Key players in the e-commerce and food delivery sectors in Thailand●      Lack of consolidation in the Thai market and the potential impact of subsidy wars