Why China's Rising Procurement Industry Continues to Attract Foreign Investment

Online, July 23, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Norwich, UK - China remains a procurement hub and a particular attraction to investment from U.S. and European businesses, reveals Supply Chain Digital. In the international procurement industry, China is still a leading global player, despite recent negative media coverage. The country encourages investment from overseas and has created an environment in which many businesses thrive.

However, there are pitfalls and potential risks to avoid, as Stewart Ferguson, Head of Research and Consultancy at the China-Britain Business Council attests. "China can produce quickly and in volume but sometimes there is a question over whether the quality slips. There is an onus on the person that is making the purchase in ensuring that their suppliers are capable," he explained.

While quality can be an issue when it comes to procuring from China, there are plenty of success stories that prove otherwise.

Many manufacturers are placing increasing emphasis on employee safety in response to recent reports that highlighted some less than satisfactory working conditions in the country.

Ferguson also observed that thanks to China's preparation for the economic downturn, it weathered the storm well, placing it in an advantageous position now. "If you look at the Chinese domestic market, that continues to grow and actually grew throughout the global downturn," he said.

Read the full article in Supply Chain Digital at http://www.supplychaindigital.com/industry-focus/procurement/interview-stewart-ferguson-china-britain-business-council.