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• Flexibility in negotiations: Adapting negotiation tactics to align with the part- ner's cultural expectations without com- promising core business values. • Clarifying decision-making processes: Understanding hierarchical structures and preferred decision-making styles to pre- vent frustration and misalignment. The Value of Long-term Partnerships Over Short-term Gains While short-term opportunities may seem attractive, long-term partnerships yield greater benefits in stability, trust, and cumulative value creation. Enduring relationships allow busi- nesses to streamline operations, enhance col- laboration, and innovate together over time. Sustaining long-term partnerships requires: • Mutual investment: Parties should com- mit to shared success through resource allocation and knowledge sharing. 46 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2025 • Adaptability: As market conditions change, partners should be willing to pivot and grow together. • Recognition of contributions: Acknowl- edging and rewarding contributions fos- ters goodwill and strengthens long-term loyalty. Success Stories Many global businesses have proved the power of integrity in cross-border partner- ships. For example, Toyota's commitment to transparency, trust, and long-term collabora- tion has seen it build a reliable supply chain while maintaining high-quality standards. Similarly, the strategic alliance between Apple and its manufacturing partners in China have driven efficiency and innovation. By prioritizing ethical sourcing and corporate responsibility, Apple has maintained its brand integrity and a strong global presence. Another example is the joint venture between Unilever and local businesses in emerging markets. By emphasizing ethical sourcing, sustainable busi- ness practices, and cultural alignment, Unile- ver has built robust partnerships that contrib- ute to community development. Cultivating cross-border partnerships with integrity is necessary for long-term success. Trust, transparency, and clear communica- tion are the backbone of fruitful collabora- tions, while careful vetting and cultural aware- ness help businesses navigate potential pitfalls. By prioritizing ethical business practices and long-term relationship-building, companies can unlock new growth opportunities while maintaining their credibility and corporate values. SMT007 Tom Yang is CEO of CEE PCB. To read past columns, click here.