| Japan- | | | | Wrap gifts in bright colours. "Three" is |
| | | | considered a lucky number. |
| When meeting a Japanese colleague or business | | | | |
| associate be prepared with a gift. The gift | | | | Korea- |
| giving ritual is deeply rooted in the | | | | |
| Japanese culture. When meeting a group of | | | | Generosity is viewed as a valued personal |
| Japanese professionals, the quality and value | | | | trait. Expensive gifts are very well |
| of the gifts should be indicative of the rank | | | | received. Gifts between business associates |
| of the person within the company with higher | | | | are viewed as symbols of appreciation. Four |
| ranking professionals should receive higher | | | | of anything is considered unlucky. |
| quality gifts. When meeting a group of | | | | |
| Japanese colleagues, either present a group | | | | Malaysia- |
| gift or a gift to each individual. It is | | | | |
| considered extremely rude to present a gift | | | | It is extremely important to consider the |
| to one individual in a group, without giving | | | | Muslim culture. Avoid pork, knives, alcohol, |
| gifts to the rest of the group. Avoid giving | | | | and highly personal gifts. Present gifts with |
| gifts in sets of four. The word "four" in | | | | right hand only. In the Indian sectors of |
| Japanese is "shi", which is also associates | | | | Malaysia, avoid black and white colours. |
| with the word death. Always wrap the gift you | | | | Instead opt for, yellow, red or green which |
| are going to present. Avoid white wrapping | | | | symbolizes happiness. |
| paper as white represents death. Avoid giving | | | | |
| monetary gifts or gifts displaying company | | | | Middle Eastern Countries- |
| logos. Business gifts should be given at | | | | |
| midyear and at year-end. | | | | Gift giving is extremely important in the |
| | | | Arab culture. When receiving a gift, |
| China- | | | | reciprocate with a gift of equal value and |
| | | | quality. Avoid giving alcohol and leather |
| Always present gifts with two hands. Avoid | | | | products made of pigskin, which are offensive |
| giving watches or clocks as gifts. The word | | | | to Muslims. Do not give gifts to the wife of |
| for "clock" in Chinese is similar to the word | | | | an Arab colleague or inquire about her. Ideal |
| for "death. Do not wrap gifts in white, blue | | | | gifts for the Middle East are: highest |
| or black as these colours are associated with | | | | quality leather (not pigskin), silver, |
| funerals. Red, yellow and pink are regarded | | | | precious stones, cashmere, crystal or |
| as joyful colours. Red lettering and sharp | | | | porcelain. |
| objects such as knives, letter openers or | | | | |
| scissors are also gifts giving no's as these | | | | Latin American countries- |
| items imply the severance of a relationship. | | | | |
| Display your company logo on the gift, this | | | | Gift giving reinforces business relations. |
| ensures that the gift is not seen as a bribe | | | | Choose gifts carefully by taking into |
| but more as a form of advertising. It is | | | | consideration the tastes and interest of your |
| customary in the Chinese culture to refuse a | | | | Latin American business colleagues. Avoid |
| gift repeatedly, but it is expected that the | | | | leather gifts, as fine leather is common in |
| giver will persist and the recipients | | | | South America. |
| acceptance will soon follow. | | | | |
| | | | Australia, Canada, United States & European |
| Taiwan- | | | | Countries- |
| | | | |
| Do not give gifts that were originally | | | | Avoid gifts that will be perceived as a |
| manufactured in Taiwan. | | | | bribe. Avoid highly personal gifts such as |
| | | | clothing. Gifts unique to a particular region |
| Thailand- | | | | are well appreciated. |
| | | | |