Napoleon once famously remarked, “China is a sleeping giant.  Let her lie and sleep, for when she awakens she will astonish the world.”  If the rapid growth of China's economy and the unprecedented pace of Chinese social change are any indication, it appears the giant has finally awakened.  With a population that stands at roughly 1.3 billion, it's no wonder the rest of the world is taking notice. 

China offers a market of vast potential that, until recently, has been largely untapped by Western companies.  However, all that is beginning to change…  According to a 2003 AT Kearney Survey, China now ranks number one in the world as a recipient of foreign direct investment.  Where companies are investing is directly related to where they are sending people and, as such, China is now one of the top destinations for expatriates being sent abroad on international assignments.   

In response to the increasing global demand for quality moving and relocation services into and out of China, Move One International Movers and sister-company the Expat Relocation Center (ERC) have launched China operations from their newly established Beijing office and warehousing facilities.

“China is a market that businesses can't afford to ignore but most are deterred from establishing a presence here because of the difficulties associated with customs regulations, acquiring permits, and the bureaucracy in general,” reflects Move One's Managing Director, Curt Clements.  “While our principal partner has operated here for the past 20 years, the establishment of our office is allowing us to provide a broader range of services that adequately respond to these types of challenges.”

For more information about our China moving services please contact our global headquarters at +36 1 887-0406 or via email at china@moveone.info  Relocation queries should be forwarded to china@erceurope.com

Not familiar with Move One and our comprehensive range of moving and relocation services?  Please take the time to introduce yourself and your company to us while at the Congress.  Move One delegates currently in New Orleans include Andy Taylor (Global Operations Manager), Zoltan Mezo (Regional Sales Director), John Heisler (Move One Russia) and Andy Harris (Move One China).

FIDI-FAIM is an independently audited quality certification program designed by movers, for movers.  The purpose of FIDI's program is to recognize international moving companies that meet the highest standards of quality in all aspects of the moving process.  In order to gain FIDI status, a moving company's operations and staff are required to undergo a regular series of inspections to verify that FIDI standards are being adhered to.  In addition to assessing the quality standards of the actual moving operations, the FIDI-FAIM program also reviews a company's marketing, customer service, human resource, administrative and security procedures.

You need look no further than the progression in the company's offices over the years for proof of Move One's growth.  “Of course our offices have always reflected the size of our staff.  In the beginning we had a smaller staff so our Budapest headquarters was a much more intimate environment - you used to be able to get the attention of your colleagues by simply hollering across the office,” reflects Curt Clements, Move One's Managing Director. 

Move One's global headquarters in Budapest

Move One's new offices in both Budapest and Warsaw provide a stark contrast to those early days.  The new facilities offer all the amenities that come with modern office towers and provide more than enough space to comfortably accommodate visting clients and partners as well as the respective staff at each location.  So, should you ever find yourself in Budapest or Warsaw, by all means drop by and pay us a visit - we'd be more than happy to show you around our new home.                

As Tashkent's airport has grown so too have Move One's operations in Uzbekistan, with the international moving company handling their 1000^th shipment into Tashkent International Airport last month.  The news comes a few months after the AES Group's Uzbekistan office was named the largest client of the Tashkent Airport for 2003 by the airport's authorities.  Working in tandem with its sister-company, AES Cargo, Move One overtook the top spot earlier last year by moving 132,236 kg. of shipments through the airport for various clients in the first quarter alone.

With so many shipments coming and going it was hard not to get noticed. "The customs officers actually joke that they are employed there because of us," remarked the Sarah Tatrallyay, Manager of the AES Group's Uzbekistan operations. Congratulations and continued future success to all of Move One's Uzbekistan staff, both past and present.

A reminder to all of our partners and clients that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently introduced new regulations pertaining to food items (including but not limited to alcoholic beverages) imported into the U.S.A.  It's important to bear in mind that these new regulations also applies to food items packed in shipments of personal effects and household goods.

The new regulations, which came into effect at the end of 2003, require that facilities that hold food (i.e. – warehouses) must be registered with the FDA if those items are to enter the USA. This applies to warehousing facilities both outside as well as inside the USA.  Additionally, the receiver of the goods in the USA has to apply for a Prior Notice conformation before the shipment's arrival in the port of entry.

The major ramification is that the undisclosed addition of food in shipments destined for the USA may result in severe penalties for those responsible. While it is still possible to include food in shipments of personal effects and household goods we strongly urge our partners to advise clients and shippers to not include food in the shipments to the U.S.A.

If you have any questions regarding these regulations please do not hesitate to contact your Move One representative at moving@moveone.info.