The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, the EU-China Business Association and BUSINESSEUROPE are organizing an exclusive dialogue with the European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström, the European Parliament’s Chair for Relations with China Jo Leinen, and the European Chamber China President Jörg Wuttke. This will take place on Thursday, 28 January, 2016 from 12:00- 15:00 at Thon Hotel EU, Rue de la Loi 75, 1040 Brussels.

The purpose of this event is to take stock of the most important developments in the EU-China relations and how this affects EU businesses.

Speakers:

• Ms. Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Trade, European Commission
• Mr. Jo Leinen, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the for Relations with the People’s Republic of China
• Mr. Jörg Wuttke, President, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

Moderator:

• Mr. Christian Oliver, EU Correspondent, Financial Times

In the past year, there have been a number of significant developments in China. First of all, the economic slowdown in China is a fact. European companies are adapting to this “new normal” of lower, but possibly more qualitative economic growth.

Another important development is the negotiations on the EU-China Investment Agreement, which started in early 2014. European businesses in China are hopeful that China will use these agreements to promote greater international competition and cooperation in its marketplace through meaningful liberalisation. The direction that these developments will take will be critical for Europe’s mission for growth and the future success of European industry in both Europe and China.

Moreover, the Chinese government will soon release a roadmap, including two so-called negative lists to indicate where investments of domestic enterprises and foreign invested enterprises are allowed and not allowed.

During the event, representatives from the European Chamber’s working groups will also on-site answer specific questions related to their industry sectors.

Last but not least, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström will deliver a keynote speech on the current state of the EU-China business relations.

Tentative Agenda
12h00 – 13h00  Registration and sandwich lunch
13h00 – 13h10  Introduction by Mr Markus Beyrer, Director-General, BUSINESSEUROPE
13h10 – 13h20  Speech on EU-China business relations by Ms Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade
13h20 – 13h30  Speech by Mr Jörg Wuttke, President, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

13h30 – 13h40  Speech by Mr. Jo Leinen, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the for relations with the People’s Republic of China
13h40 – 14h25  Moderated panel Discussion and Q&A
14h25 – 14h35  Closing remarks by Mr. Bert De Graeve for the EU-China Business Association

Moderator:
·        Ms. Shada Islam, Director of Policy, Friends of Europe

During the event, representatives from the European Chamber’s working groups will also on-site answer specific questions related to their industry sectors.

The EU-China Business Association is the EU-wide federation of business organisations in the EU promoting business relations with China. The Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce holds the secretariate-general of the association.

If you are interested to participate, please register before 20 January 2016 via this link : eucba.org/eu-business-in-china. The registration fee is: 95 € per person.