MEMO
FROM: xxxxxxx
TO: Ms. Sarah Duffy, Director of Electrical Sales
DATE: January 22, 2013
SUBJECT: DEALING INTO THE PHILIPPINES BUSINESS/ ELECTRICAL MARKET.
Our engineers team at N J Electrical Equipments has bid on a contract to supply Air Conditioners for the Philippines government offices. The contract is worth $1.8 million. In order to secure the contract, our team must visit Philippines in May this year. ("Lonely-Planet," 2012). (Note it will be monsoon in Philippines, so no need to carry heavy jackets). As you requested on Jan. 25, here are three areas of information they should be familiar with.
Background information: Philippines located in the South East Region and having population of 92 million people. The majority is Christian Malay and few Islam(“Philippines - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette,”2012). If anybody wants to do stable business then they must understand their needs and demands .There are two official languages Filipino and English. The currency is known as Philippine peso. “Flores de Mayo” is main festival in May and also it is the hottest month too (‘The-Philippines,” 2012). The highest temperature goes to 380 c to 400 c.
The economy: Philippines has safe business surroundings. Main Employment sectors which grow day by day in Philippines are Agriculture 36%,Industry 115%,Services 49%. If we talked about their GDP is $ 161 billion and per head is $1,750. Major partners of Philippines for business are USA, Japan ,China ,Singapore not Canada(“World Business Culture,” 2012). It is a good chance to make business relationship with them. Though they are exporters of Electronics but we will give them good deals and offers.
Business culture: There is also some business customs for every country and our team must be aware from them to make amuse business relationship with them: 1) It is better to introduce with a Philippino by third party. (“Philippines - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette,”2012). 2) Their ‘yes’ not always means yes sometime it means ‘perhaps’. 3) Send an agenda, facts and figure before meeting, and book appointment 3 to 4 weeks prior.
The major cultural difference in Philippines and Canada that gives a noticeable effect is when meeting with Islamic people just take care of diet, dress and alcohol system. Be aware of Philippinos facial expression. If one person feel insult everyone feels same which is known as ‘pakikisama’(“World Business Culture,” 2012). It may lead to lost the project.
There should be something done in advance by our team members to avoid