Dancing with the Devil: Doing Business with Asia’s Politicians and their Families

Abstract

Relationships and connections matter a great deal in Asia, and the weaker the local legal system, the more they matter. But how far do you go? A good local partner is one who can open doors and keep them open, smooth things over with the authorities and help to get approvals in a timely matter. But does this mean that the local authorities themselves make even better local partners? What about senior bureaucrats, the military or even senior politicians and their families? Instead of trying to win approvals from senior politicians, might it not be better simply to make them or their families your local partner, so that the approvals will be guaranteed?