Thorough planning aids firms' success abroad

Successful Chinese companies usually have a thorough plan based on the realities of their own business and their industry before expanding internationally, said Eugene Qian, head of China global banking of Citibank (China) Co Ltd.

Although many Chinese business are venturing abroad, only a few are truly successful.

"Those who succeed are companies with a clear vision of their medium- and long-term development strategy. They know what they really want from overseas investment.