Operating options
Different objectives require different forms of presence
Compare who contracts with customers, who bears the commercial risk and what local activity each option requires.
Export
Test demand with limited local infrastructure.
Agency
Use local commercial support without transferring resale risk.
Distribution
Give a local counterparty the resale relationship.
Local entity
Establish a company to conduct local operations, subject to local requirements.
Joint venture
Share ownership where the partner is integral to entry.
The choice
A market-entry model is a commercial and legal decision
Direct export, agency, distribution, a local entity and a joint venture allocate control, risk and local responsibility differently. The choice changes with the activity, customer route, regulation, payment model and need for local operations.