From Guardian Unlimited:
Chinese languages and culture should be taught in British schools and universities if UK firms are not to miss out on multi-billion-pound opportunities in China, according to business leaders.
A poll of chief and senior executives by the Hay Group revealed directors believe differences in culture, language and communication pose the greatest barrier to doing business in China.
Education is the key to maximising opportunities worth a forecast ¬£200bn a year by 2009, business leaders say, but they warn the shortage of Mandarin-speaking UK graduates will soon lead to a “war for talent” as companies scramble to recruit managers with an understanding of Chinese languages and business culture….[Full Text]