In the turnkey-plant sector, partner enterpriese often discover that they derive totally different results from using the same local subcontractors. According to several western plant contractors interviewed, while the eastern partner obtained complete satisfaction from local suppliers, the western partner found little cooperation, forthcoming long delivery delays, and other shortcomings. This difference usually arises in the case of developing countries in which the western firm has no experience and the eastern enterprise may have been active for many years. Obviously in such cases it is recommended that the western firm rely on its partner's established links with local suppliers instead of attempting to deal with them on its own.
Consumer goods make under cooperation arrangements and supplied to third markets often pass through a period of poor buyer acceptance, which is due to inappropriate or insufficient packaging. Since many branded consumer goods are distinguished from one another at the point of sale mainly by their packages ,the key to the successful introduction of a new product in a third market is correct assessement of consumer preferences. This assessment can best be carried out in the market-place by using up-to-date techniques for measuring buyer response to package shape, colour and presentation. Which partner should be responsible for conducting such testing, and who should pay for this costly exercise, should be decided well in advance of the decision to enter the market or to select the type of distribution network for the product in question.