Doing Business Abroad    Hong Kong By Terri Morrison © Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved Greetings Either English or Chinese traditions are appropriate. You can shake hands or bow. When bowing to a superior, you should bow more deeply and allow him to rise first. Always greet the most senior or elderly person in a group first. Introductions Use titles and surnames. Chinese surnames come first, followed by one or two personal names, i.e.: Chang Wu Jiang would be Mr. Chang. Appointments Punctuality is considered a virtue. Make every effort to be on time. Traditionally, no one is exempt from apologizing profusely if they are late, even if it was not their fault. Negotiating Present all materials and ideas in a modest and patient manner. Do not direct all your information to the senior negotiator, whose presence may simply be ceremonial. The junior staff often relay the material to the group leader. Entertaining Banquets are a large part of Hong Kong's Chinese culture. Celebrating a productive business meeting or a new alliance usually occurs over eight to 12 courses of a well-prepared banquet.