Gift Giving
Gift giving is a common Chinese custom that business visitors to China should prepare for and use to advantage. The advice of a Chinese friend or colleague is invaluable in doing this properly, but here are some simple guidelines:
Who: Typically, a single large group gift is presented to the chief person or leader of a Chinese organization. Gifts should be presented from the lead of the Canadian delegation to the lead of the Chinese delegation and vice versa.
When: Gifts are usually given at the end of an introductory meeting or at a banquet. Delegations visiting China are normally expected to offer gifts to their hosts, and the opposite is true for Chinese travellers to Canada. In both cases, this should be factored into preparations for making a trip or receiving an incoming delegation in Canada.
What Not to Give: Gifts to avoid include clocks and scissors or other sharp items such as knives or letter openers. Avoid wrapping gifts in white or black, which are colours associated with funerals