It is well-known that ensuring a regular flow of cash is an essential engine for the good functioning and even the survival of SMEs. Given SMEs’ relative lack of resources compared to larger companies, issues affecting their cash flow such as late payments can have a more negative impact on their operations, even leading to their bankruptcy. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this situation, with cases of late payments in Asia having increased by 20% compared to 2019, according to Atradius. What is the current late payments landscape in China? What are the experiences of European businesses in China with regards to payment delays? What is the Chinese government doing to tackle late payments? How can European SMEs address this issue?
The European Chamber is pleased to invite you to our next Working Group meeting, where Country Manager at Atradius China, Mr Hong Lin, will provide an overview of the Atradius Payment Practices Barometer, and Manager Director for AMS BV Group, Mr Fabian Blake, will discuss the late payments from the perspective of foreign businesses in China. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 1st September from 16:00 to 17:30. Participants can choose between attending the meeting online through Zoom or joining in person in our Beijing or Shanghai offices (please note that seats will be allocated on a first-come-first served basis). If you are interested in participating in this meeting, please reach out to Mr Muyang Zhang at intern008@europeanchamber.com.cn before Monday, 31st August COB. Please state whether you will be attending the meeting on or off-line, and at which location.
Agenda
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15:30-16:00
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Registration – only for in-person attendees
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16:00-16:10
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Opening Remarks
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16:10-17:00
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Presentations by Mr Hong Lin and Mr Fabian Blake
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17:10-17:30
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Discussion and Q&A
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About the Speakers
Hong Lin
As Country Manager for China, Hong Lin has been responsible for Atradius’ operation in China since June 2011. Hong joined Atradius in 1998 as a Senior Buyer Risk Underwriter in Germany before moving to China in 2005. He was a key member of the project team that set up Atradius partner relationships before becoming Senior Risk Services Manager where he and the buyer underwriting team made a significant contribution to the substantial growth of our business in the country. Having lived in Europe for 15 years and worked in Germany and China, Hong has a wealth of experience in Europe and Asia.
Fabian Blake
Fabian is currently the Managing Director of AMS BV Group. Before that he was Managing Director at Heinkel, and he has had experiences in different European countries including Belgium, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic.
Fabian has also been involved in business organisations in China, both as member of the board of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber. He has a master’s degree of Industrial Sciences and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Pierrard – Virton, and a master’s degree on Renewable Energy from Vysoka Skola Banska at Technicka Univerzita.
Offline locations for this event
Beijing: Beijing Lufthansa Center, Office C405, No. 50 Liangmaqiao Road
Shanghai: Unit 2204, Shui On Plaza, 333 Huai Hai Zhong Road