The Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce and The Conference Board organized an interesting briefing focused on ‘China’s New Normal: What are the challenges and opportunities for businesses?’. This briefing took place on 18 April at The Conference Board in Brussels.

According to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese economy has entered a “new normal” of “moderate to high growth”, implying that China’s GDP will be growing at the lower rate of 6.5% to 7%. What do companies need to know about this “new normal”? David Hoffman, Senior VP Asia and Managing Director of The Conference Board China Center for Economics & Business, delivered a special briefing to help companies dimension the current state of play in China:

• An appraisal of recent economic, financial market and political economy developments
• How these developments fit into the big picture scheme of China’s momentous transition
• What they imply for the near- and medium-term business environment for MNCs and foreign investors in China

David also provided an introduction to the concept and components of “global China exposure”, and how “geo-economic” propagations and exertions from China will (and could) impact the global business environment.

Mr Stefaan Vanhooren, Vice-Chairman Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce facilitated the briefing and Mr Bert De Graeve, Chairman, Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce facilitated the CEO Roundtable Dinner. The event was conducted according to the Chatham House Rules.