China's business environment easier for global firms: Laxton CEO

GUANGZHOU - The business environment in China is becoming easier to navigate year by year, said Lyle Charles Laxton, CEO of the South Africa-based Laxton Group, whose technology and production headquarters are located in south China's Guangzhou.

It is clear that the Chinese government is working toward making it easier for global companies to invest and establish a business in China, said the South African entrepreneur.

The State Council, China's cabinet, unveiled on Wednesday a series of measures for ensuring the steady growth of foreign investment and making its foreign investment environment more law-based, internationalized and convenient.

"The opportunities in China are endless and the market is exceptionally large. It is possible to be very successful in China. However, patience is required to understand the nuances of the environment and market," Laxton told Xinhua on Wednesday.

"The legal framework and judicial system is fair and actually works. In general, it has protected us when we required protection, which is encouraging for any foreign investor."

Founded in 2004 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Laxton moved its Technology and Production Headquarters to Guangzhou in 2009, where its factory has 200 permanent employees. The multinational company is specialized in manufacturing self-service kiosk terminals for governments and corporations.

Last year, the company obtained a high-tech firm certificate from the Guangdong provincial government.

"The Chinese government has business-friendly incentives and policies for high technology companies and is proactive and helpful," said Laxton. "The supply chain in China supports our business and allows us to create and manufacture products that are competitive on a global stage."

According to Laxton, southern China is without question the biggest electronics production hub in the world. Being positioned in this hub allows for an effective springboard into the global market.

Laxton, who speaks Mandarin Chinese fluently and has led the company's expansion in China since 2009, spends a significant part of his time in Guangzhou every year.

"The spirit and energy of China and its people are unique and special. We are able to move at speeds that are truly unique to China," he said."Culturally, we have found the Chinese to be exceptionally respectful, humble, ambitious and supportive."

Regarding cooperation among BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- Laxton suggested a transparent web-based tender submission and bidding portal for projects funded by the BRICS New Development Bank be established so that companies can compete for projects in a standardized and consistent manner.

The ninth BRICS summit will be held in southeast China's coastal city of Xiamen on Sept 3-5.