Strategies for Competing in China in 2008

The Confucius Institute at British Columbia Institute of Technology and the BC Olympic Games Secretariat, BC Ministry of Economic Development are co-sponsoring a series of round-table discussions that will provide insight and hands-on experience directly from managers that have developed successful business and trade relationships with China. The roundtables focus on the most critical issues and challenges facing Canadian companies as they strive to become export-ready for the Chinese market.

Participants will benefit from the experiences of Canadian companies in China as they provide lessons learned from this experience. 

Roundtable discussions provide an informal learning environment that encourages and facilitates open discussions among peers.  Managers with “on the ground” experience in China will share their lessons learned and strategies for success and explore outcomes and options with the participants. The goals of the roundtables include:

  • To identify some of the key challenges that SMEs face in the China market
  • To share experiences, expertise and knowledge with managers already active in China
  • To identify potential solutions and provide insight into how to succeed in China

This roundtable series will build on the introductory Think Asia: China 2008 Workshops offered by the BC Ministry of Economic Development as part of the preparation for companies traveling in delegations to the BC Canada Pavilion in Beijing in 2008.  The Pavilion will showcase the province’s industry, lifestyle and innovation for five months around the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in central Beijing. Comprising 23,000 sq. feet on 3 floors, the Pavilion will act as a platform for BC organizations to gather market intelligence, meet with key stakeholders and qualified partners to explore new opportunities.

A series of 3 Roundtable Discussions will be held as half-day sessions starting February 7, 2008.

Venue
The Confucius Institute, BCIT Downtown Campus,
555 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC

Cost
Half-day Discussion Series - $79 / session
Series of 3 Roundtable Discussions - $195 series of 3           
Two-day Condensed Discussion  | covering all 3 topics - $195

Format

  • A series of half-day roundtable discussions focused to allow for some depth in the coverage. Participants can choose to attend any one, all three individually, or the condensed discussion compressed into 1.5 days. Each roundtable will be chaired by a facilitator and joined by 2-3 panelists with field experience. The sessions will include keynote luncheons led by industry experts.
  • The roundtable discussions will take place at the Confucius Institute at BCIT. All participants can register via BCIT Confucius Institute by submitting the form attached.
  • Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from BCIT.

Co-organizers 
The Confucius Institute at British Columbia Institute of Technology
The BC Olympic Games Secretariat, BC Ministry of Economic Development

Registration 

Discussion Topics & Schedule

Roundtable Discussion Series | 8:30am - 1:30pm
1. Developing and Executing a China Strategy
February 7, 2008 | Discussion Series 1

  1. Developing an Effective Marketing Plan
  2. Building Local Knowledge
  3. Market Entry and Strategic Considerations

Speakers

    Dr. David T. Fung, CEO, ACDEG Group
    John Gruetzner, Executive Vice President, Intercedent International, Beijing
    Alban Lo , General Manager, Global Transaction Banking–Trade Finance, Bank of Nova Scotia
    Harry Sutherland, Producer, Long Tale Productions
    Yuen Pau Woo, President and Co-CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

2. Managing Intellectual Property and Innovation
March 6, 2008 | Discussion Series 2

  1. Managing and Protecting IP
  2. Growing Potential for Research Partnerships
  3. Developing Local Sources of Innovation

Speakers

    Bill Murray, Past President, Motion Picture Association, Los Angeles
    Lance Follett, Director, Licensing and IP Commercialization, Westport Innovations
    With more to be confirmed.

3. Selecting and Managing Partners in China
April 3, 2008 | Discussion Series 3

  1. Managing the Partner Selection Process
  2. Mitigating Relationship Risks
  3. Working with Local Government

Details on potential speakers will be forthcoming in our future update.

Two-day Condensed Program

A condensed version of the program may be offered to accommodate those traveling from outside the Lower Mainland subject to sufficient demand.

Selecting and Managing Partners in China | March 5, 2008 | 8:30am - 1:30pm
Developing and Executing a China Strategy | March 5, 2008 | 1:30pm - 5:30pm
Managing Intellectual Property and Innovation | March 6, 2008 | 1:30pm - 5:30pm

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