China Trade Mission a Formality for Direct-Selling Giant

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) NuSkin International is joining the Governor's Trade Mission to China next month, but Vice President Rich Hartvigsen says the direct-selling giant doesn't stand to gain much from it.

"On several occasions we've met with many of the same people we will probably meet with during this trade mission," says Hartvigsen.

Of the 20 companies participating in the trade mission, only NuSkin has a significant presence in China. Until recently, the company's personal care products and health supplements were available there through 160 retail stores. This summer, NuSkin became the second U.S. company to get permission to sell its products through a direct-sales network.

Five of NuSkin's competitors from Utah will be along for the trip, but Hartvigsen says he "has no problem helping our competitors also obtain direct selling licenses."

"I think it's a positive thing to have a number of companies on the ground selling directly, proving that direct-selling companies can be good corporate citizens. Over time, that will help China relax its direct-selling regulations."

Asian countries account for about 70 percent of NuSkin's business. Hartvigsen says the main benefit of the trade mission for his company is the association with Governor Huntsman. He says Utah's Chinese-speaking governor is very well respected in the country, which should help NuSkin's relationship with the Chinese officials.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW