Doing Business in Hong Kong
If you're coming to Hong Kong on business, make sure that you have a good stock of business cards (usually called name cards in Hong Kong), preferably with your name and title written in Chinese on one side and English on the other. It is an old custom to offer and receive name cards with both hands rather than one. This gesture is not extremely important, but would show that you know how things are done. You should certainly treat someone's name card with respect – don't write on it.
Business Attire
Despite the hot and humid climate, Hong Kong's business attire is still very formal; dark suits and ties are worn by men all year round, and women are usually quite conservatively dressed at the office – they rarely wear trousers. Many people work on Saturday mornings, and on this day everyone comes to the office in casual wear. On the whole, Hong Kong's people are very fashionable and well dressed both at work and at play.
Gifts
It is not as important to give gifts to business associates in Hong Kong as it is in some other Asian countries, but if you do give them, they should be wrapped in brightly colored paper. If you are given gifts, do not open them in front of the giver. Certain gifts are considered unlucky and should be avoided – clocks, sharp objects and anything in black.
“Face”
The concept of “face” is particularly important in Hong Kong, as it is in most Asian societies, It is very important to avoid trying to make people “lose face”, which will gain you an enemy. To prevent people, especially business partners, from losing face, you should take particular care not to argue with them or correct them publicly. Direct conflict should be avoided, especially with superiors. Most people would rather give gifts than receive them, or host a meal rather than be hosted, as they gain a great deal of face by doing so. If a business colleague invites you to lunch or dinner, you should allow them to pay the bill – it would be a loss of face for them to invite someone and then let the other party pay.