119 outbound investment deals suffer problems

Between 2005 and 2013, 119 outbound investment deals involving more than $100 million failed or met serious problems, and the lack of a clear global strategy or familiarity with international rules could be the main reasons, according to the China Going

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Global on Thursday.

Mistakes made by Chinese investors in overseas markets included no clear strategy, paying too-little attention to early-stage surveys and consulting, and deployment of the wrong employees, said Zhang Ke, chairman of ShineWing Certified Public Accountants.

Zhang Ke said Chinese companies should improve their abilities in strategy and corporate culture as well as internal control to enjoy sustainable development abroad.

A lack of familiarity with international rules can be a common mistake among Chinese investors, and they often accept contracts not good for them, said Zhang Xuebing, a founding partner of Zhong Lun Law Firm.

Zhang Xuebing also said Chinese investors are willing to learn international law systems and rules after previous failures and have become more mature.

Chinese products going abroad are often regarded as less expensive than versions of similar quality from other countries, and Chinese funds investing in overseas markets are thought to have higher risks, said Zhao Wenquan, chairman and CEO of BlueFocus Communication Group.

Zhao said Chinese companies and investors should cultivate their brands and strengthen communications with related parties.

China Going Global is a think tank made up of CITIC Securities, ShineWing Certified Public Accountants, Zhong Lun Law Firm and BlueFocus Communication Group.