One Billion Customers

James McGregor’s One Billion Customers is an epistolary novel, escorting you through various facets of Chinese reforms and growth. McGregor infuses his knowledge, experience, and China’s history into each chapter. Each story centers around one of China’s economical breakthroughs, including investment houses, telecommunications, and the aerospace industry. McGregor’s ability to draw unique lessons distinguishes each account. Each chapter is concluded with a morsel of insight on the Chinese business culture. Furthermore, each chapter is concluded with a quick reference guide, “The Little Red Book of Business,” composed of lessons learned.

I found each story intriguing and well written. The lessons McGregor centered on carried a message which echoed in every story. The book left me with a greater understanding of China’s past history, political struggles, and accomplishments, all contributing to the vast emerging economy the country has become. I now view China’s growing industries and reform efforts with a different lens.

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal published an editorial piece entitled “Low Costs, Plentiful Talent Make China a Global Magnet for R&D.” The article touched upon China’s current patent protection and intellectual-property rights obstacles, and went on to illustrate China’s R&D push forward in the global economy. Much like McGregor’s accounts, these investments most often are part of a compromise between Chinese and foreign companies, all dancing to the tune of China’s politics. McGregor has given me the insight to see beyond the article to the challenges China is overcoming. Efforts such as this push for R&D progress, often take patience and persistence. The essence of the R&D movement is the progress China is making. The Chinese government is recognizing the need for R&D and increasing the necessary budgets. These innovations fueled by a low cost pool of engineers and over a billion consumers are contributing to China’s success. I am excited to see more of China’s evolution over the next few years and even more so to experience it in part come June.

For more information on this book, please refer to my book review accessible through the "Assignments" link.