Task 3. Reading
Read the text and answer the questions:
In many countries, businesspeople are expected to follow a certain dress code. They should always be punctual for meetings and appointments. It is important to make eye contact when talking to someone, and when you meet someone for the first time, it is usual to shake hands. In some cultures, people use first names immediately, while in others they wait until they are invited to do so.These are just a few examples of how business culture can differ from one country to another. But cultural stereotypes can be misleading. It is often said that Americans only talk about business during a meal, but this is not true. They usually spend the first ten minutes of a business lunch making small talk about general topics such as sports or travel.Gift giving is also an important part of business culture in many countries. In Japan, for example, businesspeople often give their clients gifts of fruit, sweets, or flowers. In China, it is not unusual to receive a gift of money. In some Arab countries, hospitality is very important. A guest may be offered food and drink, and it is considered polite to accept.When doing business with companies in other countries, it is essential to build personal relationships. It is much easier to work with people if you like and trust them. To be successful, you need to understand and respect their customs and traditions. You should also learn as much as possible about their history, art, music, cuisine, and sport. This will help you to communicate more easily and to find common ground for discussion.It is also a good idea to socialize with your colleagues outside the office, as this will help to make your business relationship stronger. However, you should avoid discussing controversial issues such as politics or religion. And finally, don't interrupt people when they are speaking! This is considered very impolite in many countries.
Questions:4. What is important when doing business with companies in other countries?