Building a Business in China: 30 Years of Dezan Shira & Associates

Posted by Reading Time: < 1 minute

An exclusive series of interviews with Chris Devonshire-Ellis

Part One: 1992-94 

This year, Dezan Shira & Associates turns 30 years old – a remarkable feat given the vagaries of the China market and business environment during these years. To mark the occasion, we are running a series of interviews with the firm’s founder, Chris Devonshire-Ellis, together with employees past and present, and their stories and anecdotes. We also listen to the experiences of some of the investors the firm has handled and provide tips for SMEs about surviving – and prospering – in an at times difficult business environment.

In this first episode, Chris discusses with Gary Shaben the reasons for starting the firm, the coming return of Hong Kong to China, the early China business environment, solving cash flow and marketing problems, and why a Soviet era aircraft carrier ended up as a nightclub on the Shenzhen river. We also feature interview snippets from some of the firm’s clients and friends from years past.

About Us

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at china@dezshira.com.

Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, Germany, Italy, India, and Russia, in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative. We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh.