Comoros Culture of Business

By | July 24, 2022

Subchapters:

  • Introduction
  • Addressing
  • Business Meeting
  • Communication
  • Recommendations
  • Public holidays

Introduction

Comoros is an Islamic country, but it practices its (less rigid) version of Islam, adapted to local conditions. French influences also play a big role, the working language is French.

Addressing

Before approaching business partners, it is necessary to evaluate the pros and cons of operating in the Comoros (small market, logistical challenges). Negotiations with partners must be completed in person and at the same time it is necessary to thoroughly check the credibility of the given request and counterpart. It may be necessary to travel to the territory several times to close the deal.

  • Programingplease: Yearbook 2010 of nation Comoros, including population, politics, and abbreviations.

Business meeting

Arranging a business meeting should start well in advance. It is likely that the business partner or government institution will need to be contacted several times before it is confirmed to take place. However, even so, it is advisable to confirm the meeting a day before or on the day of the meeting, remind of its purpose and repeat the venue. It is advisable to arrive on time for the meeting, even though the partner will probably arrive with a slight delay. It happens that meetings are postponed or canceled right before they take place. In this case, try to act constructively and agree on another suitable date. For this reason, possible visits to the country need to be planned flexibly and to have sufficient time space for moving meetings. Formal clothing is appropriate for the meeting, despite the high temperatures, a shirt including a tie and a jacket are expected.

The host usually offers tea or coffee to drink, it is polite to accept the drink and at least taste it. We recommend handing the counterpart written materials, sending prospectuses or brochures by email has an uncertain result. It cannot be expected that the partner will have a business card, and it is not good to rely on the fact that he will contact the Czech businessman himself on the basis of the business card. It is therefore necessary to make a good note of the contact details. Gifts are not usually brought to the meeting. If you will be invited to the home, it is advisable to bring less attention with you. Negotiations usually take place in a friendly atmosphere, the use of pressure or confrontation will not lead to results.

Communication

The ability to communicate in English is low in business circles and in higher positions in the state administration, the preferred language is French. The population speaks English at a minimal level. Personal negotiations are clearly preferred. If the partners do not know each other for a long time, business relations do not develop after email or phone. The willingness of locals to communicate electronically is very low. It is necessary to build personal trust first. Visit Allunitconverters for more information about Comoros culture and traditions.

Recommendation

Basic principles when dealing with Chamber partners, the respect of which will help the promotion of the business plan:

Get to know business-economic opportunities and competition in the country of operation. Verify the trustworthiness of the partner in all possible ways. Consider the investment in establishing business relations in the light of the pitfalls that the Comoros market presents.

Prepare company materials in French.

Take your time. Gradually moving from general things to specific things will help the partner to better understand the proposals.

Expect changes in the program and lateness of the partner, which are compensated by hospitality and a friendly atmosphere.

Prepare the project well and be specific in the argumentation, adhere to the agreed deadlines, establish a friendly relationship with the partner and maintain regular communication.

Public Holidays

March 18 – anniversary of the death of President Said Mohamed Cheikh

May 1 – Labor Day

July 6 Independence Day

November 27 – anniversary of the assassination of President Abdallah

Furthermore, the Muslim holidays Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, Ashoura, Leilat al-Meiraj are celebrated, which depend on the Islamic calendar.

Comoros Culture of Business