Geeez, the dude's got to get around! What's wrong with some wheels for the man!?!

No, but seriously, in many cultures compensation to the 'official' is viewed the same way as paying a commission to a sales rep or a percentage to a lawyer for personal injury case, a very very big percentage I might add. I do not know the custom there to speak with authority but it may be kosher. When I was in India the official takes a percentage. It is normal and NOT a payoff, well, not any more than a commission to a sales rep or a percentage to a lawyer ...

anyhoooo, just my two pennies worth. I hope all goes well for you in your pursuits to open the territories up.