Chinese companies and their inaccessible websites

The problem: Inaccessible websites or security errors.

It is common at international fairs in the swine and poultry sectors for representatives of Chinese companies to distribute business cards with their website addresses, offering access to information about products, technologies, and innovative services. However, many international users find themselves frustrated when trying to access these sites. Instead of obtaining the desired information, they encounter non-functioning pages, security errors, or invalid SSL certificates.

This problem manifests in several ways:

• • Non-functional websites: In many cases, the sites simply do not load outside of China. This may be due to geographical restrictions or a lack of optimization for international traffic, resulting in extremely slow loading times or the inability to access the site.
  • Security errors: Modern browsers prioritize user security and privacy. Many Chinese websites use security certificates that are not globally recognized or have expired, triggering security warnings that discourage users from continuing to browse these pages.
  • Technological incompatibility: Some sites are designed using standards or technologies that are common in China but not widely supported or are obsolete in other regions. This can cause display issues or even make the site inaccessible from devices and browsers outside of China.

Underlying causes of the problem.

The challenge of accessing websites of Chinese companies in sectors like swine and poultry is due to a combination of factors:

• • Government-controlled Internet infrastructure: China has strict control over its internet, known as the “Great Firewall,” which filters and controls internet traffic within and outside the country. This not only affects access to international sites from China but also vice versa, making it difficult or impossible for international users to access Chinese sites.
  • Local Focus in web development: Many Chinese companies, especially in traditional sectors like agriculture, develop their websites with a local audience in mind. This means that the sites may not be optimized for access outside of China, which includes not considering the importance of having globally recognized SSL certificates or using internationally compatible technologies.
  • Lack of maintenance and updates: In sectors like swine and poultry, resources allocated to maintaining digital platforms may be limited. As a result, websites may become outdated, with expired certificates or unresolved technical issues.

Impact on international business.

The inability to access websites of Chinese companies has a direct impact on the ability of international businesses to research products, establish contacts, and negotiate agreements. International representatives attending fairs in the swine and poultry sectors rely on these online resources to continue conversations started in person, evaluate product offerings, and make informed purchases.

Without access to online information, potential business partners may lose interest or even distrust the professionalism and seriousness of the Chinese company. This not only affects the company’s image but also limits opportunities for expansion and cooperation in international markets.

Possible solutions.

To overcome these challenges, Chinese companies should consider several strategies:

• • Optimization for international audiences: Develop websites that are accessible and secure for international users. This includes adopting global security standards and optimizing for a better user experience outside of China.
  • Regular website maintenance: Ensure that websites are well-maintained, with updated SSL certificates and no technical errors that might discourage users.
  • Collaboration with international partners: Work with international web technology experts to ensure that sites are accessible from anywhere in the world.

Access to information is crucial in the business world, and in specific sectors like swine and poultry, the inability to access Chinese websites represents a significant obstacle. While technological and geopolitical barriers play a role in this challenge, Chinese companies can take proactive steps to ensure that their online presence is an asset, not an obstacle, to their international business relationships. With proper optimization and a focus on global accessibility, these companies can overcome current barriers and fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by the global market.