China is the great economic success story of the past quarter-century and, despite growth slowing as the global financial crisis continues, the country has reported a GDP growth rate of 6.1% in the first quarter of 2009.

Hong Kong became the UK’s 16^th largest export market in 2008 with exports of goods reaching £3.47 billion. As well as being a major market in its own right, Hong Kong serves as a trading gateway and business platform to mainland China.   

 

Like Hong Kong, Macao is an open economy, free port and a trading gateway to mainland China with UK exports to the region in 2008 increasing by 22% on the previous year to £21.6 million worth of goods.

 

Taking these facts into consideration can you afford to miss joining emita in partnership with East Midlands China Business Bureau for their next breakfast seminar to discover how your company can benefit from trading with China in these challenging times?

 

The morning will address the changes in Southern China, Hong Kong and Macao due to the economic downturn and highlight the opportunities now existing in these regions for UK companies. In addition, there will be the chance to hear how UK businesses can capitalise on opportunities arising from the two year RMB4 trillion fiscal stimulus package launched by the Chinese government in November 2008.

 

The experts sharing their knowledge and advice with us are:

 

·         Ian Bailey, Trade Commissioner at the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong and Macao;

 

·         Bob Manning, Head of Trade and Investment at the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou;

 

·         Stewart Ferguson, Midlands China Business Adviser, China-Britain Business Council;

 

·         Jeremy Gordon, Mainland China and Hong Kong Business Specialist, UK Trade and Investment.

 

After the seminar, there will also be the opportunity to have short one-to-one meetings with our guest speakers from China and Hong Kong, Ian Bailey and Bob Manning.

Programme:

07h45   Registration and breakfast

08h30   Welcome and introduction

           Jason Feehily, Head,

           East Midlands China Business Bureau

08h35   Hong Kong: a springboard for UK companies going into China

           Ian Bailey, Trade Commissioner,

           British Consulate-General Hong Kong and Macao

08h50   Developing business opportunities in Southern China

           Bob Manning, Head of Trade and Investment,

           British Consulate-General Guangzhou

09h05   Business planning for the China market

           Stewart Ferguson, China Business Adviser,

           China–Britain Business Council

09h20   China’s fiscal stimulus plan and opportunities for the UK

           Jeremy Gordon, Business Specialist, UKTI

09h35   Q&A and discussion

10h00   Close and networking