ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hong (business)

A hong is a type of business that is unique to China. It is kind of like a company that helps other companies do business. Imagine that you want to sell toys in China, but you don't know how to speak Chinese or understand the Chinese market. You could hire a hong to help you.

The hong would act like a bridge between you and Chinese businesses. They would translate for you, help you find good suppliers, and make sure that you follow any rules or regulations.

Hong businesses have been around in China for a very long time, even before modern companies existed. They used to be called "guilds" and were made up of people from the same trade, like carpenters or tailors. These guilds would work together to make sure everyone in the trade was doing well and to protect their interests.

Nowadays, hongs are important for international trade. They help businesses from all over the world do business in China, and they are especially important for small businesses that don't have the resources to navigate the complex Chinese market on their own.