Who thinks that Pakistan is not a good country for business?
Can you give examples of why people think that Pakistan is not a good country for any business?
How is business conducted in Pakistan?
Are there issues with building relationships and communication?
Is it fair to say that third-party introductions are a necessity in a relationship-driven culture?
Is it fair to say that the culture is one which prefers to work with people they know and trust and will spend a a lot of time on getting to know people well first?
Pakistan has a very hospitable and personable culture who enjoy hosting international guests.
International guests may need to visit several times respectfully allowing relationships time to grow as is a custom of Pakistan. (correct me if I'm wrong).
International guests like to stand at distance when talking and maintain eye contact. Pakistanis tend to prefer to stand more closely with indirect eye contact.
International guests can be quite direct in their communications and must remember to speak to the most respected and senior person in a meeting.
International guests tend to want clear demands, promises and detailed responses and can become frustrated with uncertainty.
Many internationals will meet in person but also like to take the opportunity to do business using technology, e.g. videoconference, conference call or internet.
How are business meetings run in Pakistan?
How much notice is required for meetings, is there a quick turnaround or is plenty of notice required?
Do meetings start on time or are guests kept waiting? International guests favour punctuality.
What is the cancellation like for meetings, last minute or plenty of notice given?
Are meetings closed or are there interruptions?
Are decisions made quickly or to they take time?
One common theme that I have come across is that if talks have started with one business partner, if that person leaves, the discussions have to start all over again as a new relationship has to be established with the new person, not a continuance of the negotiations as a business.
However, what I have seen are that Pakistanis are very good negotiators.
