The research industry and research organizations in China

The market research industry emerged as a result of China's open -door policy. The entry of foreign capital in China created a demand for market research. In the early 1980s, the International Trade Research Institute was one of the few primary contacts for market research. In 1984, a consultant arm of the Institute “ the Centre for Market and Trade Development (CMTD) “ was established to provide a specialist research service for foreign companies. In 1986, the Opinion Research Institute of the People's University was founded. Later in 1987, two doctors of sociology set up the first commercial market research company. There is now a large number of research organizations in China who are involved in one way or another in market/marketing research. There are over 300 registered marketing research organizations and large advertising companies have market research functions. Professional research institutions and information centres also provide market research services of various kinds.

Foreign research organizations are also operating in China in different establishments. Gallup and AC Nielson are active in China. China's accession to the WTO will further open up the services industry and more foreign consulting and market research companies will establish their operations in China.