O-1 VISA - EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY OR ACHIEVEMENT - USA

The O-1 Visa for the US is a specialist non-immigrant visa for an individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

The O-1 visa classifications are as follows:

O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry).

O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.

O-2: individuals who will accompany an O-1, artist or athlete, to assist in a specific event or performance.  For an O-1A, the O-2’s assistance must be an “integral part” of the O-1A’s activity.

O-3: individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1’s and O-2’s.

What are the eligibility criteria for an O Visa?

1. The beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim.

2. Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.

3. Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction. 

4. To qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, the beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered to the extent the person is recognized as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

What is the application process for an O-1 Visa?

A.  File Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the USCIS.

B. Consultation - A written advisory opinion from a peer group (including labor organizations) or a person with expertise in the beneficiary’s area of ability.

C. Contract between petitioner and beneficiary.

D. Itineraries - nature of the events or activities.

What is the Evidentiary Criteria for an O-1A visa application?

Evidence that the beneficiary has received a major, internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or evidence of at least (3) three of the following: 

1. Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.

2. Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field.

3. Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought.

4. Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field.

5. Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought.

6. A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

7. Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought.

8. Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.

What is the period of stay granted to the visa applicant?

Up to 3 years, but the petitioner may request an extension of their stay.

For advice and assistance with your O-1A visa application to work in the US, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

O-1 Visa USA Advice - Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (visaconnect.com)

H-1B VISA - US

The H-1B visa for the United States allows foreigners to work in the US, in specialty occupations, services of exceptional merit and ability relating to a Department of Defense (DOD) cooperative research and development project, or services as a fashion model of distinguished merit or ability.

What are the eligibility criteria for H-1B Specialty occupations?

The job must meet one of the following criteria to qualify as a specialty occupation:

1. Bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent is normally the minimum entry requirement for the position.

2. The degree requirement for the job is common to the industry or the job is so complex or unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree.

3. The employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position.

4. The nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree.

5. Labour Condition Application - The prospective employer must file an approved Form ETA-9035, Labor Condition Application (LCA), with the Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

For the visa applicant to qualify to accept a job offer in a specialty occupation you must meet one of the following criteria:

A. Have completed a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree required by the specific specialty occupation from an accredited college or university.

B. Hold a foreign degree that is the equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree in the specialty occupation.

C. Hold an unrestricted state license, registration, or certification which authorizes you to fully practice the specialty occupation and be engaged in that specialty in the state of intended employment.

D. Have education, training, or progressively responsible experience in the specialty that is equivalent to the completion of such a degree and have recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions directly related to the specialty.

What are the eligibility criteria for H-1B2 DOD Researcher and Development Project Worker?

The job must meet both of the following criteria to qualify as a DOD cooperative research and development project:

1. The cooperative research and development project or a co-production project is provided for under a government-to-government agreement administered by the U.S. Department of Defense.

2. A bachelor’s or higher degree, or its equivalent is required to perform duties.

3. Labour Condition Application (LCA) is not required.

What are the eligibility criteria for the H-1B3 Fashion Model?

A. The position/services must require a fashion model of prominence.

B. To be eligible for this visa category you must be a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.
 
C. Labour Condition Application (LCA) is required.

What is the H-1B application process?

1. Employer Submits LCA to DOL for certification.

2. Employer Submits Completed Form I-129 to USCIS.

3. Prospective Workers Outside the United States Apply for Visa and/or Admission.

How long can you stay in the US on an H-1B visa?

You may be admitted to the US, as a non-immigrant, on the H-1B for up to 3 years. You can get a visa extension, but it is not usual for the visa to go beyond 6 years duration.

What is the H-1B Cap?

Annually, the H-1B visa has a numerical limit "cap" of 65,000 visas each fiscal year. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a U.S. master’s degree or higher are exempt from the cap.

For advice and assistance with your H-1B visa application to work in the US, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

H-1B and H-4 Specialty Occupation | US Work Visa Advice (visaconnect.com)

E-3 VISA - AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONALS - USA

The E-3 visa for the US is applicable only for Australian nationals (Australian citizens but not permanent residents) and their family. It allows an applicant to go to the United States to work solely in a specialty occupation.


E-3 visa applicants may be admitted to the United States for up to a two-year period, which is renewable indefinitely.

What is the definition of a 'Specialty Occupation'?

The definition of “specialty occupation” is one that requires:
 
I. A theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge; and

ii. The attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

Generally, as a guide, the occupation must be considered a graduate specialty occupation, and might be eligible for the E-3 visa if it is listed on the Occupational Information Network website O*NET Online.

Do You need a Job Offer?

Yes. You need to have a job offer from a sponsoring employer in the United States before you can apply for the E-3 visa. Also, you must apply from within Australia or another country, but you cannot apply from in the US for the visa.

How do I apply for the E-3 visa?

1. Make an appointment with your nearest US Consulate.

2. Take all your documents to your Interview at the US Consulate, including the Job offer from your US employer.

3. Complete the standard DS-160 application form.

What is the average processing time?

In Australia, if an E-3 is approved at your Interview - then the visa is usually issued within 5 business days.

Documentary evidence required for your E-3 visa application:

1. An approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) - the U.S. employer obtains from the Department of Labor. You are advised not to book an interview appointment until you have received this form.

2. Evidence of academic or other qualifying credentials - required under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 214(i)(1), and a job offer letter from the employer.

3. If your degree and higher-level qualifications are from an Australian institution, you do not usually need to provide certified copies or evidence of their U.S. equivalent but bring to your visa interview a copy of any certificates, and if possible, transcripts for the course of study.

4. In the absence of an academic or other qualifying credential(s), evidence of education and experience that is equivalent to the required U.S. degree.

5. A certified copy of any required license - or other official permission to practice the occupation in the state of intended employment if so required or, where licensure is not necessary to commence immediately the intended specialty occupation employment upon admission, evidence that the alien will be obtaining the required license within a reasonable time after admission.

For advice and assistance with your E-3 visa application to the US, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

E-3 Work Visa for Australian Professionals | US Attorneys (visaconnect.com)

J-1 EXCHANGE VISA - USA

The Intern visa, J-1 allows foreign college and university students to travel and work in the US, as an Intern (Trainee), and gain exposure and understanding of US work culture and learn new skills and practical experience, in their selected occupation field.

The eligibility requirements for the J-1 visa are:

1. The foreign national must be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree or certificate granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or

2. The foreign national has just graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.

The Program Sponsors of the Internship must visit host organizations, and collect verification evidence from the organization, and do quality assurance in the form of regular evaluations from students to maintain high standards of quality and credibility.

Employer hosts are required to:

1. Sign a completed Form DS–7002 – Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) to verify that all placements are appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the interns as outlined in their program applications and as set forth in their T/IPPs. All placements must be customized to the skills and experience level of the individual intern.

2. Notify sponsors promptly of any concerns about, changes in or deviations from T/IPPs during training and internship programs and contact sponsors immediately in the event of any emergency involving trainees or interns.

3. Abide by all federal, state and local occupational health and safety laws.

4. Abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the sponsors, including the completion of all mandatory program evaluations.

5. Have sufficient resources, plant, equipment and trained personnel available.

6. Provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring by experienced and knowledgeable staff.

7. Ensure that interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities such as classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences and similar learning activities, as appropriate in specific circumstances.

What can the student Intern do on a Program?

They can come to the US to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.

The following are types of Internship Programs available on the J-1 visa:

Au Pair
Camp Counselor
College and University Student
Government Visitor
Intern
International Visitor
Physician
Professor and Research Scholar
Secondary School Student
Short-Term Scholar
Specialist
Summer Work Travel
Teacher
Trainee

What are the eligibility requirements for participants on the J-1 Program?

A. English Language Proficiency

B. Insurance

C. Pre-Arrival Information and Agreements - provided by Program Sponsors

D. Orientation - provided by Program Sponsors

E. Monitoring - progress and welfare of participants must be done by program Sponsors.

For advice and assistance with your J-1 Intern visa application, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

J-1 Visa USA | Exchange Visitor Program - VisaConnect

STUDENT VISA - UNITED STATES

A US Student visa is generally required for a foreigner interested in studying in the US, at a School,

College or University, except for short courses, then they can study on a B-1 visa.

There are 2 types of student visas - F-1 or M-1.

The F visa is meant for study at:

• University or college 
• High School 
• Private elementary school 
• Seminary 
• Conservatory 
• Another academic institution, including a language training program
  

The M visa is meant for study at:

• Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program
  

The first step is to apply for the course before applying to the US Consulate or Embassy for the visa. You need to apply and be accepted by a SEVP approved school. Once your application gets accepted, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. At that point, the US School will present you with a Form I-20 for your student visa application to the US Consulate.

The Consular Officer may require you to attend an interview, and at that appointment you need to bring all your personal documents (Passport, photo), and DS-160 application form, as well as your academic qualifications and transcript of results.

For advice and assistance with your US student visa application, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Vocational and Training Visa US (visaconnect.com)

INVENTIONS FROM CHINA

China is the home of ground-breaking inventions and discoveries in ancient times and more recently, in modern times.

What are the leading top 20 ancient Chinese Inventions?

1. Paper Making 105 A.C.

2. Movable Type Printing 960-1279 AD. - Bi Sheng invented movable type printing.

3. Gunpowder 1000 A.D. - invented by Chinese Taoist Alchemists.

4. Compass 1100 A.D. - first used in Feng Shui, the layout of buildings.

5. Alcohol 2000 BC－1600 BC. - Alcohol (Jiu) was used in sppriritual offerings.

6. Mechanical Clock 725 A.D. - Invented by Yi Xing.

7. Tea Production 2,737 BC. - first discovered by Shennong, Chinese Father of
Agriculture.

8. Silk 6,000 years ago. - earliest evidence of silk was discovered at Yangshao culture site in Xiaxian County, Shanxi Province, China.

9. Umbrella 1,700 years ago - Lu Ban, a Chinese carpenter and inventor created the first umbrella.

10. Acupuncture 2300 years ago - The oldest Chinese medicine book “Neijing”, also known as “The Classic of Internal Medicine of the Yellow Emperor”, shows that acupuncture was widely used as a therapy.

11. Iron smelting 1050 BC. - 256 BC. - developed in China as early as 5th
century BC in the Zhou Dynasty.

12. Porcelain 581- 618 AD. - The earliest porcelain emerged in Shang Dynasty (1600 –1046 BCE) and matured during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 906).

13. Earthquake Detector 132 A D. - According to court records of the later Han Dynasty, a seismograph was created by the brilliant inventor Zhang Heng (78 -140 AD) in 132 AD.

14. Rocket 228 A.D. - According to history, in 228 A.D. the Wei State already used torches attached to arrows to guard Chencang against the invading troops of the Shu State.

15. Bronze 1700 B.C. - The Shang Dynasty (1600 – 1046 B.C.) and Zhou dynasties (1046 -256 BC) brought China into the Bronze Age and the
making of bronze wares reached its peak in this period. Bronze was used for weapons, tools and vessels.

16. The Kite  - 3,000 years ago - The earliest kites were made of wood,
called Muyuan (wooden kite).

17. The Seed Drill - 3,500 years ago -  According to records, the Chinese using of seed drills can be dated back to the 2nd Century BC. The device made
farmers’ job easier and highly improved the agricultural output in China.

18. Row Crop Farming - 6 Century B.C. - ancient Chinese started planting crops in rows from the 6th century BC. They planted individual seeds in rows, thus reducing seed loss and making crops grow faster and stronger.

19. Toothbrush - invented by Chinese who made toothbrushes with coarse hairs attached to bone or bamboo handles.

20. Paper Money 9th Century A.D. – Ancient Chinese started using folding money at the end of the 8th or beginning of the 9th Century AD. Paper bills were originally used as privately issued bills of credit or exchange notes.

What are Examples of Modern Inventions in China in 2016?

1. Emergency Pensioner Slide

Pensioner Zhou Miaorong was worried about how he and his elderly neighbors would escape their apartment block in an emergency. So the spritely Shanghai septuagenarian, who lives on the 35th floor, built an emergency slide that can take residents to safety at the breakneck speed of 0.33 floors per second.

2. Passenger Drone

The world’s first passenger drone was unveiled by a Chinese firm. And while it may look like any old quadcopter, the Ehang 184 is an autonomous aerial vehicle. This means that passengers simply enter a destination and they’ll be whisked away by the drone. Let’s see how the testing sessions in Nevada go before getting too excited.

3. Chendgu's Battery-Powered Sky Train

China's first suspension railway began trial operations earlier in 2016 after two months of testing. Each of the sky train's carriages can carry 120 passengers. The train hangs from a suspended monorail track and can reach speeds of up to 60km/h. The train runs on lithium batteries, making it the world's very first battery-powered suspension railway.

4. Smog-eating Tower

The 7-meter tower is said to clean 30,000 cubic meters of air an hour and was tested in Beijing earlier this year. The tower’s Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde hopes to collect the pollution particles and use them in jewelry. Good to see he’s got his priorities sorted. Sadly, this device hasn't been able to go beyond headline-making after failing a series of air-cleaning tests. An environmental NGO also said that the device hasn't done its job “effectively.”

5. The Quantum Satellite

According to Xinhua news agency: “The satellite is designed to establish ultra-secure quantum communications by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground […] It could also conduct experiments on the bizarre features of quantum theories, such as entanglement.”

6. Chongqing's Super Hi-Tech Public Toilets

Public toilets in Chongqing now offer users free wifi which, at speeds of 50Mbps, is faster than that of most homes. Built not only for comfort, the wonder loos are also practical, featuring a number of phone charging ports, refrigerators, microwaves and water dispensers, as well as staff who are equipped with first aid supplies and medicine. Not only do they serve to your every possible need — they're also environmentally friendly.


VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) IN CHINA

China is renowned for manufacturing electronics and electronics parts and equipment. China’s IT market is the 4th largest market around the globe, after the US, Japan, and Germany. According Business Monitor International, the country has invested a total of 104.5 billion for the industry. Currently, it ranks as second largest software-outsourcing destination next to India. The IT industry of China is expected to grow by 15 per cent annually over the next five years.

What are the 4 Main areas of the IT Industry in China?

1. Telecom -  this is a “restricted” industry. Foreign participation is only allowed through Joint Ventures with dominant Chinese players—often large SOEs or private companies that have strong ties with the government.

2. Hardware - "Non-restricted" Industry. The hardware market has small margins and constant pressure on prices and profits.

3. Software

4. IT services

What are the main IT Provinces of China?

Guangdong

Important manufacturing center of electronic and information products, with industry giants Huawei and Foxcom.

Jiangsu

Focus on ICT as one of its ICT industry. The growth of the IT industry in the Jiangsu province has been remarkable. The capital of Nanjing is one of the top destinations for software development and service outsourcing in China. Since Nanjing is home to 3 academic centers in China, it enjoys the benefits of a huge young and educated workforce.

Shanghai

ICT development zones and industry parks are situated in Pudong District and Yangpu District. Shanghai Cloud Computing Industry Base—established in Shanghai Shibei HighTech Park in Zhabei District—will build the first domestic commercial public platform of service based on cloud computing.

Shandong

China Ministry of Industry and Information has honored Capital Jinan as “China’s second Software City” after Nanjing in 2011. Outsourcing, software development, and cloud computing—these are Jinan’s strong ICT subsectors.

One of Jinan’s advantages is its pool of talents build around 50,000 graduates from its universities and institutes in the field of software development, computer technology, and finance.

Compared to Beijing and Shanghai, costs are a third lower in Shandong. Also, employee loyalty in Shandong is less than 5%, which is lowest in China, compared to 25% nationwide.

Zhejiang

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, has key drivers of economic growth in creative industry, e-commerce, software, IT services and Internet of Things (“IOT”) industry. Serving as the “Capital of e-Commerce” in China, Zhejiang accounts for more than half of the total revenue for e-commerce services in the country. For instance, Chinese online shopping giant Taobao has processed RMB 20.83 billion of payment in 2009, making it a giant of retail platform in Asia.

Which are the large Software Companies in China?

Baidu

Web services company headquartered at the Baidu Campus in Beijing's Haidian District. It is one of the largest Internet companies in the world.

Baidu offers many services, including a Chinese search engine for websites, audio files and images.

Baidu offers 57 search and community services including Baidu Baike (an online, collaboratively built encyclopedia) and a searchable, keyword-based discussion forum. Baidu was established in 2000 by Robin Li and Eric Xu. Both of the co-founders are Chinese nationals who studied and worked overseas before returning to China. In December 2016, Baidu ranked 4th overall in the Alexa Internet rankings.

Borqs

Borqs is an Android software firm headquartered in Beijing. Borqs was founded in September 2007 and has offices in China, India, and the US. In 2011, Borqs was one of six mobile technology companies to receive a piece of $26 million in funding from Intel. Borqs offers Android customization and cloud software for operators and Android commercialization services.

CDC Games

CDC Games is a publisher and operator of online games and MMORPGs in China. Its headquarters are located in Shanghai, China. It is a subsidiary of NASDAQ-listed CDC Corporation. It was launched on June 9, 2006.

CDC Games is a market leader in online and mobile games in China with more than 160 million registered users.

Cheetah Mobile

Cheetah Mobile Inc (猎豹移动公司) is a Chinese mobile Internet company headquartered in Beijing, China. It is best known as the developer of the Battery Doctor, Clean Master, CM Applock, CM Browser, CM Security and more. It has more than 568 million monthly active users as of November 2015.

Dalian Hi-Think Computer

Dalian Hi-Think Computer Technology Corporation (Chinese: 大连华信计算机科技股份有限公司), often called DHC is a provider of software development, industrial solutions and IT services headquartered in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.

It was established in 1996 as an spin-out of Dalian Information Center and its capital amounts to 150,000,000 CNY. NEC, NTT Data, Hitachi Software Engineering, NEC Soft, NS Solutions, and Microsoft have invested in DHC.

Dalian Software Park

Dalian Software Park (simplified Chinese: 大连软件园; traditional Chinese: 大連軟件園; pinyin: Dàlián ruǎnjiàn yuán), also called DLSP, is an industrial zone, created in 1998 in the western suburbs of Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China, where many of the world's large and medium-sized IT-related companies have set up shop to do software development and information services.

It is part of Dalian Hi-Tech Zone in the broader sense. While American and European companies typically have gone to Bangalore and other cities in India because of the English language capability, Japanese companies have gone to Dalian and other cities in China due to the Japanese language capability.

GstarCAD

GstarCAD is a CAD (Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting) software platform, using the Open Design Alliance DWG libraries to read and write the DWG file format made popular by the AutoCAD CAD package.

GstarCAD is a capable alternative to other well-known CAD packages on the market, and provides OpenDWG file compatibility, as well as an interface which is very similar to that of AutoCAD.

HiSoft

HiSoft Technology International Limited was a multinational information technology and business process outsourcing company headquartered in Dalian, China.

Founded in 1996, HiSoft was listed on the NASDAQ public exchange in 2010. In November 2012, the company merged with China-based IT outsourcing industry peer VanceInfo to form Pactera.

Inspur

Inspur, formerly Langchao (浪潮), is a Chinese multinational information technology company headquartered in Jinan, Shandong, China. The company's most important product is server hardware, but it also acts as a software developer and an outsourcing recipient for both the United States of America and Japan.

Join Network Studio of NENU

Join Network Studio(Chinese: 卓音工作室) of Northeast Normal University China is affiliated with Student Career Service Center of NENU. This is a non-profit organization composed by some undergraduate students.

All departments except Software Department of the studio are located at the administration building of the main campus of NENU, and Software Department is situated in the Jingyue campus. The mission of Join Network Studio is to construct a top-class supporting system of college employment work in China.

Juphoon

Juphoon System Software is an international company which provides IMS solutions and services. The core team was established in Shenzhen in 2004 and it was officially established in Ningbo, China in 2005. Juphoon System Software has done long time research in the field of IMS applications and VoIP products.

They are trying to introduce the high-quality commercial SIP Stack and other protocols (HTTP, XML, Sigcomp, etc.) to international communication enterprises.

Kingdee

Kingdee International Software Group Limited （SEHK: 0268）is a Hong Kong Stock Exchange main board listed company, China software industry leader，leading enterprise management software company in the Asia-Pacific region. It was founded in August 8, 1993 & headquartered in Shenzhen, China.

Kingsoft

Kingsoft (Chinese: 金山软件; pinyin: jīnshān ruǎnjiàn; literally: "Gold Mountain Software") is a Chinese software company that has research and development centers in Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, and Zhuhai. The company has historically focused on development for the internet and Microsoft Windows systems.

They also created an independent mobile internet subsidiary known as Cheetah Mobile and has worked on security software products, most recently moving towards internet-based applications, such as Kingsoft Kuaipan (a free cloud storage application running on multiple platforms).

Maxthon

Maxthon (Chinese: 傲游浏览器, originally known as MyIE2) is a freeware web browser for Windows, macOS and Linux, developed by Chinese company Maxthon Ltd based in Beijing. It is also available on Windows Phone 8,  iOS[9] and Android platforms as Maxthon Mobile. Since the release of version 3, Maxthon supports both the Trident and the WebKit rendering engines.

Menksoft

Menksoft (Mongolian: ᠮᠦᠩᠬᠡ ᠭᠠᠯ ᠰᠣᠹᠲ Müngke Gal soft, lit. "inextinguishible flame"; Chinese: 蒙科立, Pinyin: Měng Kē Lì, lit. "Mongol·Technology·Self-support") is an IT company in Inner Mongolia, who developed Menksoft Mongolian IME, the most widely used Mongolian language input method editor (IME) in Inner Mongolia.

Mobvoi

Mobvoi is the AI company that developed Chinese voice recognition, natural language processing, and vertical search technology in-house. The mission of Mobvoi is to define the next generation of human-machine interaction via consumer products by leveraging our artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The core team members include ex-Googlers, AI experts, former Nokia employees, engineers and researchers from top universities such as Johns Hopkins, Harvard, MIT, Cambridge and Tsinghua or top-tier Internet companies such as Yahoo Beijing, Baidu, Tencent, etc. Over 60% of the team at Mobvoi are engineers.

Since inception, Mobvoi has raised 5 rounds of funding led by Sequoia Capital, Zhenfund, SIG, Perfect Optronics Ltd (HK listed), GoerTek (A- Share listed) and Google with total fundraising amount of USD 75 million.

Mozilla China

Beijing Mozilla Online Ltd (Chinese: 北京谋智网络技术有限公司), a.k.a. Mozilla China (Chinese: 谋智中国), is a limited company to help promote and deploy Mozilla products in China.

Similar to Mozilla Corporation, Mozilla China is a for-profit company funded and created by a non-profit organization (Mozilla Foundation)
.
Mozilla China build a Chinese version of the Mozilla web site, provide technical and architectural direction for Mozilla development in China, organize and operate discussion forums, and develop Mozilla source code in China.

Neusoft

Neusoft Corporation is a Chinese multinational provider of software engineering services, Information Technology services, product engineering services, IT education and medical equipment headquartered in Shenyang, China. It was founded in 1991 and, as of 2010, is the largest China-based company providing IT solutions and services and, as of 2012, the largest software outsourcing firm in China.

NewBornTown

NewBornTown (赤子城) is a Chinese mobile Internet company headquartered in Beijing, China. It is best known as the developer of the Solo Launcher , Solo AppLock, Solo Lock. Up today the Solo System apps gained over 500 million users worldwide .[3] NewBornTown is regarded as one of the fastest growing startups globally for the year 2014-2015.

The company successfully finished Series C round financing in August 2015 with several hundred million in CNY, valuing the company over 500 million in USD. Its well-known products Solo System apps (Solo Launcher) were awarded as global best apps in 2015, while the development teams were also entitled as Google Play Top Developers.

Panda Electronics

Panda Electronics is a Chinese manufacturer and brand for electronic products. The products include mobile phones, datacards, TV sets and set top boxes, administrative software, electronic instruments, satellite and mobile communication solutions as well as wireless safety surveillance solutions.

Qihoo 360

Qihoo 360 (Chinese: 奇虎 360; pinyin: Qíhǔ Sānliùlíng; approximate pronunciation CHEE-hoo), full name Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd., is a Chinese internet security company known for its antivirus software (360 Safeguard, 360 Mobile Safe), Web Browser (360 Browsers), and Mobile Application Store (360 Mobile Assistant).

It was founded by Zhou Hongyi and Qi Xiangdong in June 2005.[2][3] Qihoo 360 had 496 million users for its Internet Security products and 641 million users for its Mobile Antivirus products as of June 2014

Seioglobal

Seioglobal formerly "SSG" / Safesoft Global (Chinese: 晟峰成略, Hanyu Pinyin: Sheng Feng Cheng Lve), (registered as Shanghai Seio Software Technology Co.,Ltd) also commonly known locally as “Seio”, is amongst the Top10 IT service multinational corporations based in Shanghai with focus on providing information technology consulting and software development services to Forbes Global 2000 companies and multinational corporations.

In its portfolio it also develops Offshore Development Centers （ODC) for multinational corporations via its almost “no” language barrier talent model and is one of the few companies in its industry in China that owns a 30,000sqm technology software park (Jiaxing Software Park refer to List of technology centers), in addition to its own training and development center.

TCS China

Tata Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd is a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) operated by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. in China. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) commenced its operations through its wholly owned foreign enterprise in Shanghai in June, 2002.

Subsequently, TCS has set up a global development center in Hangzhou and a liaison office in Beijing. In fact, TCS is the first Indian company to set up a development center in China. Tata Consultancy Services in China is the first CMMI & PCMM Level 5 Company in China.   

Tencent

Tencent Holdings Limited (Chinese: 腾讯控股有限公司; pinyin: Téngxùn Kònggǔ Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī; literally: "Soaring information"; SEHK: 700) is a Chinese investment holding company whose subsidiaries provide media, entertainment, internet and mobile phone value-added services and operate online advertising services in China. Its headquarters are in Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

Tencent is one of the largest Internet companies in the world, many services of whose include social network, web portals, e-commerce, and multiplayer online games. Its offerings in China include the well-known instant messenger Tencent QQ and one of the largest web portals, QQ.com. Mobile chat service WeChat has helped bolster Tencent's continued expansion into smartphone services. Tencent holds 15% stake of JD.com, one of the largest B2C online retailers in China.

UCWeb

UCWeb Inc. (also known as UC Mobile) is a Chinese mobile Internet company that offers products and services including mobile browser, search and so on. Its flagship product, UC Browser, topped the China, Indonesia and India market in 2013.

UCWeb was founded in 2004 as a mobile browser maker; over the past decade it expanded to diversified areas such as mobile search, mobile gaming, mobile reading, etc. The company’s UC Browser is the most popular of its kind in China with more than 65.9% market share, according to market researcher iResearch.

YLMF Computer Technology Co., Ltd.
   
YLMF Computer Technology Co., Ltd. is a computer software company based in Dongguan, Guangdong, China. The company was founded in May 2005, their most significant product to most of the world (including English speaking countries), was the Ubuntu based Linux distribution Ylmf OS.

Yonyou

Yonyou (officially Yonyou Software Co., Ltd., formerly UFIDA Software Co., Ltd.) is a software company headquartered in Beijing, China. Established in 1988, its principal products are accounting software and ERP software.

Yonyou has around 60 branches in mainland China and overseas branches in Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Zhejiang Tailong Commercial Bank

Zhejiang Tailong Commercial Bank (TLB) (Chinese: 浙江泰隆商业银行, Pinyin: Zhèjiāng Tàilóng Shāngyè Yínháng), one of several SME financing service leading providers, is headquartered in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. Since its inception, the bank has cumulatively provided over ¥150 billion (around $23 billion) loans with average loan size of ¥500,000 to its clientele, and over 90% of which are peasants-turned entrepreneurs.

As its clientele often lacks the assets required by larger banks when applying for a loan, TLB grants and disburses loans secured through guarantors, which collateral form accounts for 99% of the total loans outstanding.
   
ZWCAD Software

ZWCAD Software Co., Ltd (short name ZWSOFT) is a CAD/CAM software provider headquartered in Guangzhou, China. Its main business is to develop computer-aided design software products for 2D and 3D design use, and it began doing overseas business in 2004.[1] So far it has built its business network in more than 80 countries and the number of its end users has surpassed 550,000.

It was founded in 1998 as Guangzhou Chinaweal Longteng Technology Co., Ltd. and changed the name to "ZWCAD Software Co., Ltd." in 2007. In the same year, the company became a founding member of the Open Design Alliance (ODA). It has three R&D centres, separately located in Guangzhou, Wuhan and Melbourne, Florida (USA).

What is The China Software Industry Association?

The China Software Industry Association (CSIA) is the major representative and one of the most active associations in the China Software industry. Its goal is to promote the development of software industry in China and provide a hub with overseas markets.

In its operations, the organization is nationally accredited by creating forums, intellectual property rights protection, and other activities related to setting industry regulation drivers within the country. The organization's members include major multinational corporations such as Microsoft as it enables them to meet fellow software industry organizations, innovators, and enhance the industry.

What are China's Top 10 Software Technology Parks?

1. Shanghai Zhangjiang High Technology Park

The Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park is a technology park in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It is operated by Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park Development Co., Ltd. The park specializes in research in life sciences, software, semiconductors, and information technology. As of 2009, there were 110 research and development institutions, 3,600 companies and 100,000 workers located in the technology park. In some circles the park is also known as China's Silicon Valley.

2. Beijing Software Industry Base

3. Shenzhen Software Park

4. Dalian Software Park

5. Xi’an Software Park

6. Chengdu Tianfu Software Park

7. Guangzhou Tianhe Software Park

8. Jinan Qilu Software Park

9. Hangzhou High Technology Software Park

10. Nanjing (Jiansu) Software Park

How has China's IT Service Outsourcing Grown in 2015?

• Chinese companies inked service outsourcing contracts worth $130.9 billion, up 22.1 percent year on year. 
• Of the total, offshore service outsourcing contracts reached $87.29 billion, rising 21.5 percent from a year earlier. 
• Information technology-related services accounted for nearly half of the offshore deals. 
• Contracts fulfilled with businesses in the United States and European Union, two major trade partners, jumped 17.5 percent and 17.6 percent respectively in their value, while those with Japanese businesses fell 9.8 percent. 
• Outsourcing deals signed with countries along the Belt and Road route stood at $17.83 billion, up 42.6 percent from a year earlier. 
• China is the world's second-largest service outsourcing provider after India. The State Council described the sector as a "green industry" that will be a new engine for tertiary industry and a boon to employment.

VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers

PROVINCES OF CHINA

In China, there are 34 Administrative Divisions, which comprises 23 Provinces, 4 Municipalities, 5 Autonomous regions and 2 Special Administrative regions.

What are the Province-Level Divisions in China and what is each Province's economic productivity?

Beijing Municipality 北京市

In 2013, the municipality's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) was CN￥1.95 trillion (US$314 billion). It was about 3.43% of the country's total output, and ranked 13th among province-level administrative units.

The city has a post-industrial economy that is dominated by the tertiary sector (services), which generated 76.9% of output, followed by the secondary sector (manufacturing, construction) at 22.2% and the primary sector (agriculture, mining) at 0.8%. The economy, which tripled in size from 2004 to 2012,[3] grew at an annual rate of 7.7% in 2013.[4] Owing to the concentration of state owned enterprises in the national capital, Beijing in 2013 had more Fortune Global 500 Company headquarters than any other city in the world.

Tianjin Municipality 天津市

Tianjin is the primary industrial, commercial and economic center of North China, rivaling Shanghai in the south. Tianjin is also the most populated coastal city in North China.

Tianjin borders Beijing to the northwest, and faces the Bohai Sea in the southeast. It is the largest water transport hub in north China; the Tianjin Port is the main passage for cargo, which is transported from Beijing, northern China and northwest China, to enter the Bohai Sea and further be transported to other regions and countries by sea.

Tianjin is one of the birthplaces for China’s modern industries. The nation’s first watch (Wuxing Watch), first bicycle (Tiemao Bicycle), and first television (Beijing Television) were all produced in Tianjin. Tianjin is currently the most important industrial city in northern China. In 2013, the city’s value added output in the secondary industry reached RMB 727.67 billion, ranking first in northern China.

Hebei Province  河北省

Hebei's economy is largely dominated by iron and steel manufacturing, as consolidation in the steel industry continues, this is likely to increase.

Despite this strong manufacturing base, over 40% of the population works in the agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry sectors, with a large amount of these crops feeding Beijing and Tianjin.

The province plays strategically important role for its giant neighbors, providing an industrial base and transportation hub as well. 

Shanxi Province 山西省

Seated in the north of China, Shanxi is an important energy source base in China with abundant reserves of coal, magnesium, bauxite, and fireclay. As a result, the province's economy depends heavily on the mining industry, in particular coal extraction, and is home to the largest group of coal companies in China. Huge reserves of coal have drawn investment into railways, power plants, and coal and chemical related research and products.

Arguably the most polluted province in China, Shanxi is extremely energy inefficient with a very high rate of mining accidents. While the local government wants to strengthen traditional industries, it also wants to reduce dependence on coal. In 2009, it began forcefully shutting down mines half its mines.

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  內蒙古自治区

Inner Mongolia, with almost one-third of China’s grassland and about one-fourth of its pasture area, has been traditionally renowned for its livestock. The condition of the livestock industry improved markedly after 1950 through the use of such measures as large-scale wolf hunting to reduce herd predation, the immunization of cattle, and improved pasturage and animal husbandry.

Weather stations were established to forewarn herders of major storms. Sheep are the main livestock raised, and cattle, horses, pigs, and camels are also important.

Liaoning Province  辽宁省

Located in northeast China, Liaoning is an important transportation hub, home to the port city of Dalian. The province's pillar industries include machinery and equipment, smelting and pressing of metals, food processing, and petrochemicals, and the province is an important production base of equipment and machinery manufacturing. Liaoning has almost a quarter of China's iron ore reserves and large deposits of crude oil, particularly in the abundant Liaohe Oilfield. 

Jilin Province  吉林省

Located in north eastern China, Jilin province is abundant in natural resources, with one of the top five mineral reserves in China, the country's largest reserves of oil shale, and China's largest base of commercial grain. Additionally, Jilin is famed for a pharmaceutical industry derived from the province’s vast resources of rare Chinese medicines.

While agriculture still counts as one of Jilin's largest industries, since the reforms of the 1980s, an ever-expanding secondary and tertiary sector has driven economic growth. A significant automobile industry as well as important petroleum and chemical industries continue to underpin the economy, and future sights are set on nurturing a high-tech industry centered about photoelectron products. Ongoing reforms to modernize traditional heavy industries, increase the efficiency of state owned enterprises, and develop foreign trade aim to widen the province’s economic achievements.

Heilongjiang Province     黑龙江省

Following the opening of the Daqing oilfield in 1959, Heilongjiang has been a significant source of petroleum for China. Its agricultural sector is heavily defined by the cold climate and the province's famous fertile black earth, allowing it to produce wheat, rice and corn harvests. The province is also an important source of milk, gold, and lumber.

As the Daqing oil fields are depleting and oil production has been dropping every year since 2000, there is a pressing need for a new economic growth engine. At present, many investments are being made in large construction projects, water conservation, and airport expansion within Heilongjiang. Additionally, emerging industries such as equipment manufacturing, energy, petrochemicals, textiles and food processing are being planned.

Shanghai Municipality 上海市

Shanghai has a total area of 6,340.5 sq kilometres, consisting of 18 districts and one county. Total resident population stood at 24.15 million by the end of 2015. Shanghai is one of the 4 autonomous municipalities and historically a commercial and financial center of China.

Located at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai is not only the leading container port in China, but also the busiest container port in the world in 2015 which handled 36.54 million TEUs in 2015, up 3.5% from 2014.

In 2015, 67.8% of Shanghai’s GDP was attributed to services industries. The top 3 largest industries were financial services, retail and wholesale and real estates. Shanghai will focus on the development of financial services, logistics and cultural industries.

Shanghai plays a key role in China’s heavy industries. Baosteel Group, China’s largest steelmaker, and Fosun Group, one of China’s largest private steelmakers, are both located in Shanghai. Auto manufacture is another important industry. Shanghai’s output of motor vehicles reached 2.43 million in 2015, accounting for 10% of the national total. Shanghai is also a leading producer of ethylene, plastics, microcomputers, ICs and mobile phones.

Jiangsu Province     江苏省

Since the late 1970s, Jiangsu province has been an economic hotspot and one of the wealthiest areas in China. Pillar industries include machinery, electronics, chemicals, and automobile. The agricultural sector is based on crops of rice, wheat, peanuts, and cotton. Although the province has some petro-carbon deposits, more significant deposits include rock salt, sulfur, phosphorus, and marble.

The development and wealth of cities like Nanjing, Suzhou, Xuzhou, and Wuxi have defined the province’s success story; however, the province must now address a large wealth gap that divides the province into a poorer north and a richer south.

Looking to surge ahead on its path of growth, the province plans to triple R&D expenditure and double railway coverage by 2015. Additionally, the province will devote more focus to high tech, emerging industries and service industries. The province hopes to have a prosperous solar industry by 2012, with an estimated value of RMB100 billion.

Zhejiang Province  浙江省

The fourth largest economy and the third largest exporter in China, Zhejiang Province leads all provinces in rankings of GDP per capita in both urban and rural areas. As a result of the provincial government's business-friendly policies, this region witnessed the success of thousands of small businesses. Compared to the rest of China, people in Zhejiang are the most entrepreneurial, which has also aided the province in achieving a small urban to rural income gap.

An important maker of electronics and other equipment, Zhejiang's manufacturers had a significant competitive advantage: cheap prices, low labor costs and resource costs and high volumes. However, as other provinces become cheaper, Zhejiang's growth is shrinking and structural reform is needed. Additionally, high incomes and limited investment choices have resulted in high property costs.

Anhui Province  安徽省

Anhui's primary industry accounts for 12.7% of GDP, more than two percentage points higher than the national average, with major crops including rice, wheat and sweet potato. Anhui has a variety of natural resources including large iron deposits in Maanshan, coal from Huainan, and copper mines in Tongling. Compared to neighboring provinces on China's east coast Anhui has not experienced the same rapid economic growth, as a result Anhui's GDP per capita is around one-third of its neighbors Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Hefei, Wuhu, and Maanshan have benefited from there close location to Yangtze river and as results are significantly wealthier than the rest of the province due to their industrial and manufacturing industries.

Anhui's RMB1.72 trillion GDP in 2012 was largely driven by fixed asset investment. The investment-to-GDP ratio of 0.87 was one of the highest in China in 2012. This heavy FAI coupled with Anhui's pool of cheap labor and the establishment of an export processing zone in Hefei which will offer numerous incentives like tax rebates and exemptions for manufacturers to setup shop will likely further drive the growth of Anhui's more industrialized regions.

Fujian Province  福建省

Fujian is located on China's southeastern coast and is the closet point in mainland China to Taiwan. Its area is equivalent to the size of Greece and Fujian has the highest forestry cover in China. In terms of spending power total retail sales for province were roughly equivalent to Shanghai or Beijing.

Fujian has been a major beneficiary of foreign direct investment especially from overseas Fujianese and Taiwanese but now that it is no longer the only point of access to Taiwan it is losing out on investment to Jiangsu and Guangdong. Major industries include petrochemicals, machinery and electronics. Its tourism sector has seen very strong growth and continues to be one of the brighter spots in the Fujian economy.

Jiangxi Province     江西省

Jiangxi is a major producer of rice, freshwater products, timber and bamboo. Rich in minerals, the province's reserves of copper, gold, silver and rare earths top the nation. As such, metal-related mining, smelting and pressing dominate its secondary industry. Jiangxi has the lowest average wage and third lowest property prices in China, allowing the province to lure manufacturing from its neighbors, Guangdong and Zhejiang.

However, as a result of wage and labor, the economy sits at the low-end of the value chain. As Guangdong and Zhejiang draw away skilled labor with higher wages, Jiangxi has been victim to a brain drain and finds itself trapped in a combination of low skill, low value-added, low innovation and low energy efficiency. Thus, without meaningful structural changes, its rich mineral resources may be at risk. The province plans to expand railways and develop new energy projects, including nuclear.

Shandong Province  山东省

Shandong boasts a strong food manufacturing and processes industry, focusing on supplying vegetables and seafood; additionally, the province has a strong excavating and energy industry related to coal and oil. Its high tech industry has been growing quickly and the local government will continue to champion this sector, particularly the development of computers and software related to network communications. The province also benefits from both a large consumer market and notable South Korean investment and tourism directed at Shandong’s peninsula.

Despite Shandong's size and population, th province lacks the economic vitality of its same-size neighbors such as Jiangsu and Guangdong. As well, the province remains very energy inefficient, with the highest fossil fuel consumption in China.

Henan Province 河南省

A leading province in grain, wheat, and oil seed output, Henan is also an important producer of beef, cotton, pork, animal oil, and corn. Reportedly, 90% of Chinese McDonald's and KFC ingredients come from Henan. Built off its strong agricultural base, Henan's food processing industry accounts for more than 14% of secondary industry, making it another one of Henan's leading industries. Although its service sector remains underdeveloped, the province has diversified into additional industries including metallurgy, petrol, cement, chemicals, machinery and electronics.

Henan aims to maintain economic growth by encouraging urbanization in the next 5 years with a focus around the provincial capital, Zhengzhou. With the advantages of cheap labor and low land prices, Henan's prospects appear to be found in its development as a major transportation hub, which may benefit other industries and pave the way for Henan to become a manufacturing hub as well.

Hubei Province  湖北省

Often called the "Land of Fish and Rice", Hubei is an important agricultural province, particularly for rice, rapeseed and freshwater products, while important industries include iron and steel production and automobile production. The province’s economy is built around Wuhan's strong automobile and metallurgy industries and its role as a commerce, transportation and distribution centre; new industries and transportation networks will be centered about the capital. Hubei aims to maintain 10% GDP growth and double its per capita GDP by 2020. As well as maintaining the strength of its pillar industries, the province's 5 year plan looks toward expanding a hi-tech industry.

Some potential problems include the long-term effects of the Three Gorges Dam; while the project provides power and significantly reduces the risk of potential losses from Yangtze River floods, environmental impacts from the project have begun to appear. Additionally, Hubei has yet to show that its large economy can maintain growth without depending on influxes of fixed asset investment.

Hunan Province     湖南省

Found in the south of China, Hunan is traditionally a rice and cotton grower in China but machinery, steel, tobacco and food processing, and electronics are now also major contributors to its economy. The province can also boast of its national influence due to its entertainment programs, specifically Hunan TV.

As manufacturing industries begin moving from coastal provinces like Guangdong and Zhejiang to Hunan, the province will want to take advantage. Hunan is a desirable destination due to its low wages, low real estate costs, and one of the largest populations of migrant workers. For the future, the province is looking to nurturing emerging and hi-tech industries and building infrastructure in China. Machinery, steel making, tea, tobacco and food processing, electronics and new materials are major contributors to its industrial output.

Guangdong Province     广东省

Guangdong is located in mainland China's southeast corner. It has the largest population for any province in China with a population equivalent to the size of Mexico. Guangdong is not only China's largest exporter of goods but also the largest importer as well. Its annual Canton Fair is the largest trade fair in China. Its large private manufacturing base is one of the main engines which have made Guangdong's GDP so dynamic helping the economy become China's least dependent on fixed asset investment which accounted for only 33.8% in 2012 in comparison to a nationwide average of over 70%. Guangdong's GDP grew 8.2% to RMB5.71 trillion in 2012.

Guangdong has also led the way in moving up the manufacturing value chain from light industry production of textiles, toys and shoes to high end manufacturing of things like IT products and power equipment. Even as strong as Guangdong's manufacturing economy is Guangdong's local government expects the service industry to account for over 50% of GDP by 2015 and high tech manufacturing another 20%. It should be noted that there is an over concentration of wealth in the Pearl River delta cities of Guangzhou, Huizhou, Jiangmen, and Shenzhen and there are large swaths of rural Guangdong which remain relatively poor in comparison.

Guangdong is also home to the Shenzhen stock exchange as well as the recently launched Chinext board which is focused on high tech and growth companies. Companies like Suning, Wuliangye and Vanke are all listed in Shenzhen. Along with these exchanges companies like Ping An Insurance, China's 3rd largest insurer and China Merchants Bank are also headquartered in Guangdong and further add to Guangdong's growing presence as a financial hub.

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region  广西壮族自治区

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is located in southern China next to Guangdong in the east and Vietnam in the south. It is a largely mountainous region with a favorable climate for agriculture. Given its large population of ethnic minorities and beautiful scenery tourism is major industry for Guangxi's economy. Due to its strong agriculture production of sugarcane, fruits and vegetables, Guangxi has also developed a robust food processing industry. To date it has not developed a significant manufacturing base despite its proximity to Guangdong and low wages. One side benefit to its lack of major manufacturing industry is that it is the fourth most energy efficient provincial economy in China.

Guangxi is one of China's key non ferrous metals production centers with large deposits of manganese and tin. Its deposits of manganese and tin both account for roughly 1/3 of China's overall reserves respectively.

The local government has embarked on a major infrastructure upgrades in hopes of bringing more business and industry into the province. In particular the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone has been a major priority for development because of its land and water access to Southeast Asia. China's current five year plan calls for an investment of RMB2.6 trillion in the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone over the next five years as way of boosting the local economy as well as improving trade and ties with Southeast Asia. Growth in exports from this region has helped boost confidence in the economy as a result help boost real estate investment.

Hainan Province     海南省

Hainan's tropical climate makes the province an important source of paddy rice, coconuts, palm oil, tropical fruit, and fisheries. Tourist related services and agriculture are the main economic drivers; secondary industries such as automobile equipment constitute a small portion.

Hainan was home to China's biggest property bust in the 1990s. In 2009, the government announced its plan to develop Hainan into an international tourist destination by 2020. As a result, property sales exploded by 73% to RMB35 billion in 2009, creating the possibility of another property bubble.

Chongqing Municipality     重庆市 

Real GDP growth in Chongqing accelerated to 14.9% in 2009 from 14.3% in 2008, as the dip in the municipality's performance in early 2009 gave way to a strong recovery later in the year. The municipality is China's third largest motor vehicle producer and the largest for motorcycles, with an annual output capacity of 1 million automobiles and 8.6 million motorcycles in 2007. This was 30% of the national motorcycle production and made Chongqing the largest automobile maker in the region. Chongqing's nominal GDP in 2009 reached RMB652.8 billion ($95.5 billion), while per capita GDP was RMB22,909 ($3,301) - below the national average. However, massive government support is transforming Chongqing into the region's economic, trade, and financial centre, which will then open up the country's western interior to further development.

Chongqing aims to become a financial centre; a manufacturing base with a focus on notebooks and IT products; a free trade zone ($100 billion by 2015), leveraging its railway access to Europe; and a transport hub leveraging the Yangtze River's waterway capacity and air, rail and road connections. The incorporation of Chongqing as a province-level municipality shows the seriousness the government places on its development.

Sichuan Province     四川省

One of China's major agricultural production bases, Sichuan's major products include rice, wheat, and rapeseed and boasts Western China's largest base for pork production. The province is also a major industrial centre, with industries like coal, energy, iron and steel; its light industries include building materials, wood processing, food and silk processing. Despite having the largest proven reserves of natural gas, a large amount of Sichuan's natural gas production is transported to more developed, eastern provinces, and the province's own power use is in short supply.

As the economy grows, the province must now focus on growth outside of the capital, where cities face inadequate transport infrastructure and an expressway system that does not link many cities to each other. The local government plans on improving transportation linkages in cities in the northeast and south.

Guizhou Province  贵州省

Guizhou, one of China's poorest provinces, relies heavily on agriculture and tourism to prop its economy. Guizhou is China's third largest grower of tobacco and home to Guizhou Tobacco, a well-known consumer brand. A magnet of investments, the province's significant coal reserves and power generation industry allow the export a large amount of produced energy to Guangdong and other provinces.

Poor infrastructure has limited the development of a manufacturing industry and hinders the tourism industry. As the province attempts to alleviate these shortcomings, a high speed rail line from Guiyang to Guangzhou and other projects meant to expand the province's transportation links with neighboring provinces are in the works, with hopes to spur economic growth.

Yunnan Province     云南省

Yunnan province, China's largest cigarette maker located in southwestern China, has depended on tobacco to drive economy growth. Iron and steel production, copper-smelting, and commercial vehicle production are some of Yunnan's main manufacturing industries. Yunnan also has significant zinc, lead, and copper reserves. With the imposition of tougher smoking regulations, Yunnan's tobacco growth in stalling, as is its GDP growth; as a result, there is impetus for the province to find a new economic driver.

Like in many other provinces, there are plans to expand railway and expressway coverage across the province. Additionally, the government has plans to expand transportation linkages along the Mekong River, further developing tourism and opening up the province to its southern neighbours as well as making Yunnan a strategically important point.

Tibet Autonomous Region     西藏自治区

At the westernmost end of China, the Tibet Autonomous Region is the least urbanized area in China, with an economy that depends upon agriculture, financing from the central government, and a lush tourism industry. Economic development in the area is stunted by low population density, high transportation costs, and high exploration costs. While Tibet could potentially be a large producer of natural resources and raw materials, there have been few advances. Focus is on expanding the secondary industry, in particular energy, mining and new building materials. 

Shaanxi Province     陕西省

Shaanxi is a major producer of fossil fuels. In 2009, it produced 296 million tons of coal, 27 million ton of crude oil, and 18,950 million cubic meters of natural gas, all ranking third in China. The reserves of these resources are large and yet to be fully explored. The capital, Xian, has a high-tech industrial zone that is supported by several of the best universities and research institutions in western China; the focus is on software development, aerospace technology, new materials and aircraft technology, all of which are among China's new priority industries in the 5-year plan through 2015. Shaanxi also provides nearly 50% of the R&D and equipment manufacturing for China's ambitious commercial aircraft project. Shaanxi's GDP grew 12.3% to RMB1.45 trillion in 2012.

Transforming Shaanxi's high tech advantages into actual production will be the main challenge for the future. Some areas, such as space technology where Shaanxi leads the country, may take longer to commercialize. The Western Triangle is a new economic zone built around three cities, Chongqing, Chengdu and Xian; the recent addition of Xian to the Western Triangle will be a key driver of growth. But, overall, the province needs to find a way to maximize its advantages in high-tech industries.

Gansu Province     甘肃省

Gansu is located on the western edge of central China. It is one of the poorest provinces in China and has one of the harshest climates as well. While its climate is not favorable for attracting companies or individuals to work there; it is an optimal place for solar power stations as well as wind farms and it is rich with mineral resources including antimony, chromium, coal, cobalt, copper, fluorite, gypsum, iridium, iron and lead. As a result Gansu's economy is dominated by mining and energy.

Along with its vast deposits of coal and rare earths Gansu is also home to China's largest nickel deposits located around Jinchang city. Proven reserves of Nickel in Jinchang are in the neighborhood of 5.5 million tones which is 90% of China's nickel reserves and the third largest in the world. Nickel production in Jinchang is exclusively controlled by Jinchuan Group one of Gansu's largest companies.

Qinghai Province     青海省

Ranking second lowest in population, GDP, and property prices and expressway lengths, Qinghai province is largely undeveloped outside of its capital. Nevertheless, the province is rich in natural resources, with an economy based on minerals, hydropower, and agro-husbandry.

The province also plays in important ecological role as the source of major rivers, including the Yangtze River. Oil and natural gas from the Chaidamu Basin have also been an important contributor to the economy. However, only with significant infrastructure with the province will able to fully capitalize on its natural resource. Looking forward, Qinghai plans to focus on solar, wind, and low-carbon energy projects.

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region     宁夏回族自治区

The Yellow River flows through Ningxia for 397 kilometers. With the irrigation advantages, the agriculture develops well. Therefore there is a famous saying “the Yellow River brings affluence to Ningxia”. The soil on the Yellow River banks is fertile and the overall agricultural production ranks among the highest in the northwest region. Thus it belongs to national level demonstration zone for high output, high efficiency and good quality.

There are now 13 characterized industries with regional competitiveness, especially wolfberry, wine grape, licorice root, melon, fruit, potato, cows and sheep, which have made their influence marked in China.

Ningxia is rich in coal, with considerable quantity, diversified types, good quality and excellent exploitation conditions. The proven coal deposit is 31 billion tons and the prospective reserve is 202.7 billion tons, respectively ranking the sixth and fifth in China, in which the Ning Dong Coal Field has a proven deposit of 27 billion tons and is one of the 13 hundred million ton level ore fields particularly developed.

Ningxia has the characteristics of the southern land of rivers and lakes and also the wonders on the frontiers to the north of the Great Wall. The ancient Yellow River civilization, the mysterious Xixia culture, rich ethnic customs of the Hui group, and majestic desert scenery constitute the diversified tourism resources of Ningxia. Hundreds of kilometers of Qin Great Wall and Ming Great Wall are praised by experts as “the Great Wall Museum” of China.

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region     新疆维吾尔自治区

Because of the dry climate, most of the cultivated land in Xinjiang depends entirely on irrigation. The various ethnic groups in the region have had rich experience in water conservancy techniques, of which the wells of the qanāt system in the Turfan and Hami depressions are a fine example. Since the 1950s these have been greatly supplemented with canals and reservoirs, and the amount of arable land has almost tripled.

Xinjiang is self-sufficient in food grains. About half of the total crop area produces winter and spring wheat. Corn (maize), another important crop, is grown more in the south than in the north. Rice, kaoliang (a variety of grain sorghum), and millet are also produced in large quantities. Significant crops of long-staple cotton are produced in the Turfan Depression and the greater Tarim Basin, and cotton has become an important cash crop.

Xinjiang is one of China’s main fruit-producing regions; its sweet Hami melons, seedless Turpan grapes, fragrant Korla pears, and crisp Ili apples are well known. Sugar beets support an important sugar-refining industry in northwestern China. Hops and silkworm cocoons are increasingly produced on a large scale for national markets and for export. Livestock raising has been given renewed attention, particularly north of the Tien Shan.

Mineral resources include deposits of coal, iron, zinc, chrome, nickel, and copper, as well as molybdenum and tungsten (used in strengthening steel). Gold is produced from placer and lode deposits on the southern slopes of the Altai Mountains. Xinjiang’s products of national significance include petroleum and natural gas. Since the first oil well was developed at Karamay in 1955, that region has been extensively developed; subsequently, a second region has been exploited, at Dushanzi to the south. The exploitation of both petroleum and natural gas in the Tarim and Hami basins (the Tu-Ha Oil Field) also has expanded significantly since the late 1980s, with major fields being developed in both basins. West-east pipelines were built to transport natural gas from Xinjiang to cities on China’s east coast.

Xinjiang’s heavy industry includes iron and steel works and a cement factory at Ürümqi and a farm-tool plant at Kashgar. Petrochemical plants have been established at Karamay, Dushanzi, Ürümqi, Korla (in the northeastern Tarim Basin), and Zepu (at the western edge of the basin). Thermal power generation is also important for the region. Industries processing agricultural and animal products have been established near the sources of raw materials and include several textile mills and beet sugar mills.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region     香港特别行政区

With a central location in east Asia and with a rapidly growing Mainland China as its hinterland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an international business, trade and financial hub. Building on its traditional free market economic policy, Hong Kong has developed into a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan services economy, underpinning the role of the city as a global business platform.

As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong's service-oriented economy is characterized by its low taxation, almost free port trade and well established international financial market. Its currency, called the Hong Kong dollar, is legally issued by three major international commercial banks, and pegged to the US Dollar. Interest rates are determined by the individual banks in Hong Kong to ensure it is fully market-driven. There is no officially recognised central banking system, although Hong Kong Monetary Authority functions as a financial regulatory authority. When destabilising factors are hitting the financial market of Hong Kong, they will be monitored and inspected by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the financial regulatory agency in Hong Kong. 

According to Index of Economic Freedom, Hong Kong has had the highest degree of economic freedom in the world since the inception of the Index in 1995. Its economy is governed under positive non-interventionism, and is highly dependent on international trade and finance. In 2009, Hong Kong's real economic growth fell by 2.8% as a result of the global financial turmoil.

Hong Kong's economic strengths include a sound banking system, virtually no public debt, a strong legal system, ample foreign exchange reserves, rigorous anti-corruption measures and close ties with the mainland China. Despite the downturn, these strengths enable it to quickly respond to changing circumstances.[24] It has the most efficient and a corruption-free application procedure, the lowest income tax, the lowest corporate tax as well as an abundant and sustainable government finance.

Macau Special Administrative Region     澳门特别行政区

The economy of Macau has remained one of the most open in the world since its handover to China in 1999. Apparel exports and gambling-related tourism are mainstays of the economy. Since Macau has little arable land and few natural resources, it depends on mainland China for most of its food, fresh water, and energy imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw materials and capital goods.

Although Macau was hit hard by the 1997–98 Asian financial crisis and the global downturn in 2001, its economy grew approximately 13.1% annually on average between 2001 and 2006.[4] Macau is a full Member of the World Trade Organization. Public Security has greatly improved after handover to People's Republic of China.

With the tax revenue from the profitable gambling industry, the Macau government is able to introduce the social welfare program of 15 years of free education to all Macau citizens. In 2015, Macau's economy saw a sharp decrease (-26.4% year-on-year in Q2 2015) due to the reduced spending by visitors from Mainland China.

Taiwan Province    台湾省

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing government guidance of investment and foreign trade. Exports, led by electronics, machinery, and petrochemicals have provided the primary impetus for economic development. This heavy dependence on exports exposes the economy to fluctuations in world demand. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, low birth rate, and rapidly aging population are other major long-term challenges.

Free trade agreements have proliferated in East Asia over the past several years, and following the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signed with China in June 2010, Taiwan in July 2013 signed a free trade deal with New Zealand, Taipei's first-ever with a country with which it does not maintain diplomatic relations, and in November inked a trade pact with Singapore.

Negotiations continue on follow-on components of ECFA regarding trade in goods and a dispute resolution mechanism; a trade in services agreement is under review in the legislature. Taiwan's Total Fertility rate of just over one child per woman is among the lowest in the world, raising the prospect of future labor shortages, falling domestic demand, and declining tax revenues. Taiwan's population is aging quickly, with the number of people over 65 accounting for 11.2% of the island's total population as of 2012.

The island runs a large overall trade surplus largely because of its surplus with China, and its foreign reserves are the world's sixth largest, behind China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Switzerland. In 2006 China overtook the US to become Taiwan's second-largest source of imports after Japan. China is also the island's number one destination for foreign direct investment. Taiwan since 2009 has gradually loosened rules governing Chinese investment on the island, and has also secured greater market access for its investors in the mainland. In August 2012, Taiwan Central Bank signed a memorandum of understanding on cross-Strait currency settlement with its Chinese counterpart. The MOU allows for the direct settlement of Chinese RMB and the New Taiwan dollar across the Strait, which could help develop Taiwan into a local RMB hub. Closer economic links with the mainland bring greater opportunities for the Taiwan economy, but also poses new challenges as the island becomes more economically dependent on China while political differences remain unresolved.

VisaConnect: Migration Agents and Lawyers

CHINA TIER CITIES

Since the 1980's, The Chinese Central government has ranked cities in China, to facilitate the staged rollout of infrastructure and urban development throughout the country.

According to what criteria is a Chinese city classified at a specific Tier level?

1. GDP - All first tier cities have a GDP over $US300 billion. The second tier includes cities with GDP between US$68 billion and US$299 billion.

2. Politics - The Tier 1 cities are directly controlled by the central government. The second tier consists of provincial capital cities and sub-provincial capital cities.

3. Population - Tier 1 cities have more than 15 million people. The second tier includes cities of three to 15 million people.

Which are the Tier 1 cities?

Beijing
Shanghai
Guangzhou
Shenzhen

Large densely populated urban metropolises with huge economic, cultural and political influence in China. Tier 1 cities attract great attention from foreign enterprises due to income levels much higher than the national average, and larger middle class representation and increasing consumption habits. Cities that fall within this category represent China’s most developed markets in terms of consumer behavior.

Which are the Tier 2 cities?

Beihai
Changchun
Changsha
Chengdu
Chongqing
Dalian
Fuzhou
Guiyang
Haikou
Hangzhou
Harbin
Hefei
Huhhot
Jinan
Kunming
Lanzhou
Nanchang
Nanjing
Nanning
Ningbo
Qingdao
Sanya
Shenyang
Shijiazhuang
Suzhou
Taiyuan
Tianjin
Urumqi
Wenzhou
Wuhan
Wuxi
Xiamen
Xi'an
Yinchuan
Zhengzhou

These are generally made up of Provincial capitals, sub-provincial cities, SEZs, and other more developed cities with cultural and economic influence. Over the past decade, Tier 2 cities have received increased attention and investment from foreign companies due to lower labor costs, less competition, lower operating costs for retailers, and rapidly increasing consumer spending habits.

Which are the Tier 3 cities?

Beihai
Changzhou
Dongguan
Foshan
Guilin
Huizhou
Jiangmen
Jiaxing
Jinhua
Lianyungang
Nantong
Qinhuangdao
Quanzhou
Shaoxing
Shijiazhuang
Taizhou
Tangshan
Wiehai
Wenzhou
Xining
Xuzhou
Yantai
Yinchuan
Zhangjiang
Zhenjiang
Zhongshan
Zibo

These are generally made up by open coastal cities, high income cities, and cities with significant economic development.

Which are the Tier 4 cities?
(See an example and selection of Tier 4 cities below. Note, this is not a complete list.)

Anshan
Baotou
Chaozhou
Daqing
Datong
Fushun
Handan
Huzhou
Jilin
Liuzhou
Luoyang
Qiqihar
Weifang
Wuhu
Yangzhou
Zhangzhou
Zhoushan
Zhuzhou

Which are the Tier 5 cities?
(See an example and selection of Tier 5 cities below. Note, this is not a complete list.)

Leshan
Lijiang
Mianyang
Nanping
Putian
Rizhao
Taian
Taizhou
Xiangfan
Xiangyang
Yan’an
Yichang
Yueyang
Zhaoqing


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CHINESE NEW YEAR

The Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February 20 every year, and is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar, and is also known as the start of the Spring festival (春节 chūnjié /chwnn-jyeah/).

Every New Year is named after an animal in the Zodiac cycle. In 2017, it will be the year of the Rooster.

What are the 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, their Attributes, and what years have they fallen on previously?

• Rat - (Wisdom) 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960 
• Ox - (Industriousness) 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961 
• Tiger - (Valor) 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962 
• Rabbit - (Caution) 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963 
• Dragon - (Strength) 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 
• Snake - (Flexibility) 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965 
• Horse - (Forging Ahead) 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966 
• Goat - (Unity) 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967 
• Monkey - (Changeability) 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968 
• Rooster - (Being Constant) 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969 
• Dog - (Fidelity) 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970 
• Pig - (Amiability) 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
  

What are the priorities of the New Year:

Making amends
Reconciling with people
Avoiding offence
Re-establishing old ties
Buy and wear new clothes
Give gifts (red envelopes are exchanges)
Clean house

Where is Chinese New Year celebrated with Public holidays?

China: 1.3 billion in China get three days of public holiday.
   
Indonesia: 250 million people in Indonesia get one day of public holiday.
   
Philippines: 100 million get one day of public holiday.
   
Vietnam: 90 million people get at least three days of public holidays, but the holidays sometimes extends for an entire week by taking away weekends, as in China.
   
South Korea: 50 million people get three days of public holiday.
   
Malaysia: 30 million people get two day of public holiday.
   
North Korea: 24 million people get three days of public holiday.
   
Taiwan: 24 million people get four days of public holiday generally.
   
Brunei: One day of public holiday.
   
Singapore: Two days of public holiday.
   
Hong Kong: Three days of public holidays, extending to four days if the holidays fall on a Sunday.
   
Macau: Three days of public holiday, extending to four days if the holidays fall on a Sunday.

What is a typical Chinese New Year Greeting?

The Most Popular Greetings for Rooster Year 2017

鸡年吉祥

Jínián jíxiáng

Good luck for this Rooster year

鸡年大吉

Jínián dàjí

Lots of luck for this Rooster year

Common Greetings and Sayings for the Chinese New Year

新年好

Xīnnián hǎo

Happy New Year

过年好

Guònián hǎo

Happy New Year

新年快乐

Xīnnián kuàilè

Happy New Year

新春快乐

Xīnchūn kuàilè

Happy 'New Spring'

春节快乐

Chūnjié kuàilè

Happy Spring Festival

吉祥如意

jíxiáng rúyì

Good fortune according to your wishes

年年有余

Niánnián yǒuyú

Surplus year-after-year

吉星高照

Jíxīng gāozhào

Fortune will smile on you ('lucky star high shines')

心想事成

Xīnxiǎng shì chéng

May all your wishes come true.

大吉大利

Dàjí dàlì

Lots of luck and profits


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