No matter what country you are operating in, lobbying activities can be an integral part of doing business and can have a monumental impact on a company's success.
On one hand, many of the barriers facing European companies operating in China are being tackled through constant lobbying of the Chinese government. On the other hand, lobbying in the European Union can in turn also be hugely important in generating positive change and reform in areas that have significant influence on smooth and hassle-free business activity in China.
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China is delighted to have Jeremy Galbraith, CEO of Burson-Marsteller Europe, Middle East and Africa (bio) speak at a breakfast seminar covering this topic, providing crucial insights on conducting lobbying activities in the Europe Union.
Jeremy Galbraith(bio)
Burson-Marsteller, CEO Europe, Middle East & Africa
Mr. Galbraith's presentation will cover a wide range of points including:
Introduction to the European Union
- How does it work?
- Why does it matter to businesses operating in Asia?
- EU policy competency - 90% of legislation impacting businesses operating in Europe comes from the EU
- Key issues on the EU’s political, regulatory and legislative agendas and implications for business
Asia viewed from Europe
- Trust & Purpose survey (May 2011)
- Level of trust in Asian companies and products (specifically China, Japan, South Korea, Australia)
- European trust in companies and organizations generally – what builds trust?
- The importance of local vs. global e.g., building local relationships
- The importance of Corporate Purpose – trusted companies in Europe are seen to have a commitment to a broader goal beyond profit making
Engaging the European Union
- What does successful lobbying and communications in the EU require?
- What do Asia-based businesses need to do to be heard?
The Speaker
Jeremy Galbraith(bio)
Jeremy Galbraith is the CEO of Burson-Marsteller Europe, Middle East and Africa, a member of Burson-Marsteller's Global Leadership Team and Chair of the Global Public Affairs practice. He was previously the CEO of Burson-Marsteller in Brussels from 2000 to 2007 having first joined Burson-Marsteller in 1995 to head up the UK Public Affairs Practice. Prior to this he had been Deputy Managing Director of Market Access, a leading Westminster political consultancy and a Director of its sister company in Brussels. He began his career working in the House of Commons for a senior Conservative member of the Trade and Industry Select Committee.
The Moderator
Steven Schwankert (bio)
Steven Schwankert is an award-winning reporter and editor with 15 years’ experience in Greater China. He has previously worked for Associated Press Television, IDG News Service, and Nielsen/The Hollywood Reporter. His reporting has appeared in publications including the Asian Wall Street Journal, the South China Morning Post, Billboard and Variety, and on the websites of The New York Times and The Washington Post. He is currently the Chief Editor of the European Chamber of Commerce in China’s magazine EURObiz.
Agenda
08:00 - 08:30 - Registration and Breakfast
08:30 - 08:35 - Introduction by Steven Schwankert
08:35 - 09:30 - Presentation from Jeremy Galbraith
09:30 - 10:00 - Q&A and Discussion