You need networks:

Networking and creating word-of-mouth still remain crucial for most businesses to succeed in a new market.
Don’t think that you will be able to access these easily.
Either choose a good local partner, or employ local people with established networks.
It is extremely difficult to understand the business dynamics of a country (or even a city in some cases) without spending some time there.

“There is no way that you can remotely understand the nuances of each country’s business style.”
Romano Pisciotti: LIKE