Richard Bajraszewski from the CPA Library gets some guidance on international business
Executive Planet is a useful starting point for the aspiring global business professional.
Taking the familiar form of a wiki, this site provides business etiquette information on doing business in 48 countries, which are clearly indicated on the home page by name and flag.
If you want a quick rundown on etiquette when travelling abroad (or possibly how you may be expected to act when entertaining international guests) this site provides useful tips and suggestions.
Here you will find information on making and keeping appointments and how to dress for those professional and social occasions.
Noted are topics to talk about or to avoid when meeting people for the first time or even people with whom you are familiar. There are also tips on how to address others, including the dos and don'ts of negotiation.
Other topics include presenting appropriate gifts when doing business, 'prosperous' entertaining and acceptable public conduct.
The website of Invest Australia, a government body established as the first port of call for foreign investors or companies looking to establish themselves in Australia, provides up-to-date information across a wide variety of issues and topics.
The site promotes Australia's attractiveness as a place for companies across a range of industries to establish a presence and headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region. It does this by providing government information, statistics and numerous case studies of those who have succeeded.
There are nine broad industry sectors covered, including financial services, the booming minerals sector, as well as the information and communication technology sector.
Company case studies covered in the financial services section include UBS Investment Bank, Reuters, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.
The Doing Business section covers various topics that would-be investors or foreign companies need to consider. Information covered includes bilateral agreements, competition policy, finance and accounting, industrial relations, real estate acquisition and taxation. In many cases fact sheets as well as links to other government and service providers websites are provided.
The home page offers clear and easy navigation, especially to contact details of the various branches this organisation has in Australia and around the world, which include London, Shanghai and New York. Multimedia presentations are available via the eNav section. RSS feeds keep you up to date with information as it is added to the website.
Follow the Charts and Research link to find statistical information on Australia's foreign direct investment, Australia's economic conditions, and other useful foreign comparisons on Australia's regional and international investment and economic performance.
