The role, the custom, the taboos of giving and receiving gifts in business relationships varies widely around the world. For example in Japan, gifts play a significant role in building a business relationship. However, it is considered as just a polite gesture in most Western countries. In countries of the Middle East and throughout Latin America the custom is to exchange small gifts as a sign of friendship on the occasion of the second meeting. First visit is typically the time for introductions and getting to know one another. Bringing a gift to the second meeting shows that you think it?s important to acknowledge the relationship officially as you continue to do business together.

According to Japanese tradition, the proper gift reflects the giver's friendship, appreciation, and respect. When a colleague gives you a gift, you are expected to reply at some time in the future with a gift of similar value. This indicates that you appreciate the gift you received and you feel the same level of commitment to the relationship. Few things to keep in mind while exchanging gifts with a Japanese business associate:
- It is desirable to give a gift that is related to your recipient?s profession or hobby;
- Wrap the gift an transport it in a small shopping bag;
- Tell your colleagure in advance that you have a gift to present;
- Do not give money;
- Present the gift with both hands;
- Don?t expect the receiver to open the gift I front of you.

Visiting Someone?s Home
The custom of giving gifts when invited to a dinner party or staying as a guest in a private home varies greatly around the world. Typically, it is considered polite to bring something with you when you arrive at someone's home. The type of gift that's considered appropriate depends on the country. Make sure you understand the local customs as you select your gifts.

Hong Kong: Gourmet chocolate, flowers, or handicrafts are appropriate gifts, as long as you have already been introduced to your host.
The Middle East: Writing instruments are a favorite in this region of the world. If you're visiting for dinner or a short period of time, a fountain pen is appropriate. If your stay is longer, consider bringing porcelain, crystal, or fine linens.
Russia: Your Russian host will appreciate a bottle of liquor from abroad, cosmetics, cigarettes, candy, or flowers. (Make sure the bouquet contains an odd number of flowers.) If you stay with a family, bring gifts from abroad such as cigarettes, perfume, high-quality alcoholic beverages, or souvenirs.
Latin America: Choose items that meet the special interests of your host.
The United States and the United Kingdom: When you're invited to dinner, it isn't necessary to bring a gift, but flowers, a bottle of wine, or chocolates are always appreciated. If you stay in a home, a small handicraft from your country, sent with a follow up thank-you note, is welcomed but not expected. If you stay for an extended period of time, it's considered thoughtful to take your host out to dinner toward the end of your visit.

Gift Taboos.
Although gifts play an important role in business around the world, you run the risk of offending a colleague if you present an inappropriate gift. In many cases, a poor gift choice is worse than not offering a gift at all.
Every culture has specific items that are considered taboo or bad luck. Many of these traditions aren't followed as much these days by the younger generations or within more modern and global companies. However, it's a good idea to be somewhat conservative when you're deciding on a gift, particularly if the recipient is an older executive.
Here are some gifts that you should avoid in certain parts of the world:
Europe: Red roses symbolize a romantic relationship in many parts of Europe. An arrangement containing 13 flowers is considered bad luck in Germany and Switzerland. In addition, the preference is for flower arrangements to have an even number of flowers.
China: Sharp objects symbolize the cutting off of the relationship. Clocks are not appropriate because the Mandarin phrase to give a clock sounds the same as to attend a dying parent. Handkerchiefs imply sadness. Never give an odd number of an item; odd numbers symbolize separation, loneliness, and death. Do not bring food when you're invited to a meal because that implies your host cannot provide enough food.
The Middle East: Consuming alcohol is prohibited in the Islamic faith, so don't present wine or liquor to your host. Pigs are banned because they're considered scavengers, so you shouldn't bring pork products either.
India: Cows are sacred in India, so items made from cowhide are very offensive.
Latin America: Since some of the world's finest leather goods are made in Latin America, it would be insulting to bring leather from another country. Also, chrysanthemums, white asters, carnations, and yellow and purple flowers are sent only for funerals.
Korea and Japan: Don't give items in groups of four or nine. The words in Korean and Japanese that sound the same as the words for four and nine are related to death. In Japan, individual flowers are only for courting, death, or an illness.
Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia: Keep your gifts simple. Large and expensive gifts are considered tasteless.

Receiving Gifts
The etiquette of receiving gifts isn?t so complex as of gift-giving. However, there are some important cultural differences you should be aware of.

In Asian cultures, be sure to receive a gift with both hands. You should put the gift aside and open it at a later time; unwrapping a gift in the giver's presence suggests greed and impatience on your part. Waiting to open a gift, on the other hand, avoids embarrassment for the giver or the receiver if the gift turns out to be inappropriate or disappointing. Traditionally in China, Taiwan, Korea, and Singapore, it was common to decline a gift up to three times out of politeness. Nowadays, one refusal is considered enough to show humility and respect for the giver.

In Western countries, protocol regarding gifts is more relaxed. When you receive a gift, it is acceptable for you to open it right away, even if you are with a group. You may also be encouraged to show your gift around. It is not customary to refuse gifts, although many companies in the United States discourage supervisors from accepting gifts from their
staff members.

In Muslim countries, make sure you accept the gift with your right hand, as your left is considered unclean. Always accept a gift willingly. Refusing a gift is the same as refusing the offer of friendship.

Latin American countries vary in the appropriate timing for opening gifts. In Chile, for example, you are expected to open a gift in front of the giver. In Colombia, however, you should put the gift aside so that you don't appear greedy.
If you're not careful in some cultures, you may receive an unexpected gift.

People in Saudi Arabia, Peru, Greece, Korea, and many other countries take compliments about their material items very seriously. If you admire a piece of jewelry, a hat, or even the furniture in someone's office, the person may interpret your compliment as a hint that you would like the item as a gift. If someone offers you such a gift, be gracious and accept it. Refusing the gift at this point would be extremely impolite.