1. Who is EWA?
   
2. What services does EWA provide?
   
3. What is the relationship between EWA and its Business Partners?
   
4. What makes EWA different from other consulting firms?
   
5. How much does it cost to use EWA services?
   
6. Why do I need a "consultant" to enter Asia?
   
7. What are the different options for setting up business in China?
   
8. How does a business get registered and how long does it take?
   
9. Can U.S. citizens work in China?
   
10. How do you recruit local Chinese workers for a new operation?
    
11. How much does it cost to set up and run an operation in Asia?
    
12. What other services does EWA provide?
    
13. How does EWA ensure the service quality of its Associates and Business Partners?
    

2. What services does EWA provide?
EWA offers an integrated set of business services aimed at providing clients with solutions for their Asia marketplace initiatives. EWA's core services are:

• Strategic Consulting
• Project Management
• Tactical Services

3. What is the relationship between EWA and its Business Partners?
EWA has aligned itself with a highly qualified, external firms that offer specialized skills & services to complement EWA's '1 stop shopping' model. EWA works with its Business Partners to expand the service offerings of both parties. For example, for clients needing market assessments, EWA provides this specialized service through a designated Business Partner.

4. What makes EWA different from other consulting firms?
In addition to strategic consulting services, EWA also provides on-site continuous project management and implementation support for the client's project. This offering differentiates EWA from the majority of other firms offering only consultation services. Additionally, our Principals and Consultants bring over 250 years experience with major corporations, both public and private. This experience and our network of Business Partners uniquely positions EWA to provide our clients with the spectrum of business services through out Asia.

5. How much does it cost to use EWA services?
Actual costs vary based on the type of service and length of the client engagement. Cost is always an important consideration for a client, as is project success. We view our involvement with a client as their 'insurance policy' which greatly enhances the probability of the client's success. We ensure our charges are fair in light of the size of the overall client investment and scope of services.

6. Why do I need a "consultant" to enter Asia?
An organization typically employs a consultant when they face a unique project challenge that goes beyond their internal capabilities. Asian markets offer significant opportunities but also pose significant risks that require appropriate levels of expertise to ensure success. Investments in Asia can reach into the millions of dollars. Assembling a team with the right experience and resources can make the difference between project success and failure. An organization with little Asia manufacturing experience and limited internal skills faces a high probability of failure developing and executing their market entry plans.

7. What are the different options for setting up business in China?
The three primary methods of business formation in China are as follows:

1. Representative Office
2. Joint Ventures(JVs)
   • Equity Joint Venture
   • Cooperative Joint Venture
3. Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprises (WOFEs)

Each structure has advantages and disadvantages. EWA can help a client decide what type of business formation best fits their Asia objectives and can further define and assist with each necessary step in the implementation of the strategy.

8. How does a business get registered and how long does it take?
Registration protocols vary form country to country. In China, a business entity receives its authorization to conduct operations with the issue of a business license. There are a series of administrative steps to be accomplished and applications to be submitted. The requirements depend upon the type of business formation. A representative office is the easiest from an administrative point of view and takes only several weeks to secure. A WOFE can be established in 6-10 weeks. JV's can take a bit longer if only for the fact that the partners must first reach agreement on various business arrangements. EWA can lead the client through all the required administrative procedures to obtain the desired business license.

9. Can U.S. citizens work in China?
Yes, however, appropriate working documents and VISAs must be obtained. EWA can help the client determine how the China entity will employ overseas workers and assist in recommending the appropriate VISA arrangements.

10. How do you recruit local Chinese workers for a new operation?
Typically, the local workforce is recruited using newspaper ads, job fairs, referrals from other employees and by establishing relationships with colleges and trade schools. Senior level positions including the General Manager, CFO and HR Director are typically more problematic to recruit - especially if the client's requirements call for English speaking candidates with previous experience in Western firms. EWA has worked with local recruiters and executive search firms in Asia. We can also recommend other in-country professional service support such as law firms, banks, and accounting.

11. How much does it cost to set up and run an operation in Asia?
This is obviously dependent on the size and type of business entity being established, the amount of registered capital being committed, location of the business entity and numerous other factors. For instance:

• A Representative Office is much less expensive and takes less time to establish than a WOFE or a JV
• Higher levels of registered capital typically involve more levels of government review hence higher administrative expense
• In China, Shanghai is a higher cost area than cities like Ningbo
• High technology entities typically receive preferential treatment

There are many factors that must be carefully considered and evaluated. It is very important at the outset to fully understand ALL categories of capital/expense requirements that will be incurred throughout the entire cycle and then make enlightened assumptions on those requirements appropriate for the Business Plan. These would include legal fees, travel expenses, employee payroll (including mandatory social programs), capital equipment, lease rates, facility fit-up, utilities, formation fees, etc.

EWA can provide a complete business plan assessment to ensure all elements of cost have been captured and the assumptions on in-country expenses are complete and realistic. EWA can help the client develop or refine a business plan based on the client's strategic objectives.

12. What other services does EWA provide?
EWA can provide all the services necessary to assist a client in implementing its business strategy in Asia - including developing a business case that meets the client's objectives, assisting in selecting a site/location, defining the comprehensive project plan and serving as the on-site project manager throughout project implementation. EWA can deliver a complete business entity ready for commissioning and integration into the client's portfolio of global facilities. EWA can also address a specific business element to assist in the overall effort, including Manufacturing and Financial Audits, Environmental, Health and Safety consultation and training, and Business Plan audits.

13. How does EWA ensure the service quality of its Associates and Business Partners?
The Principals of EWA have established a set of values that we adhere to on a day-to-day basis. Our foundational beliefs have been derived by our collective experience with some of the most recognized and respected companies in world. Our Values extend to the way we conduct business and the way we expect our Consultants and Business Partners to transact with our clients. Many of our Consultants and Business Partners were selected because of our successful working relationships with them prior to forming EWA. We conduct extensive screening of resumes, check references and meet and interview each new candidate. We will introduce a potential Consultant to our business by reviewing previous engagements and, at the last stage, by having the candidate accompany EWA on a visit to a client. After making a decision to bring a new Consultant on-board, they are paired with an experienced Consultant and Principal and assigned to a client account.

Throughout the project engagement, an EWA Principal will solicit monthly feedback regarding all resource assignments to ensure quality. Additionally, we have employed the services of an outside consultant to audit our own selection and training processes. The Principals of EWA take this aspect of our business very seriously.