China’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth declined to seven per cent in the first half of 2015, the second lowest level since 2009. Turmoil has swept China’s financial markets over the last few weeks. China’s economic slowdown is already impacting the performance of European business in China. European companies are prepared to embrace the “new normal” economy, but they have also encountered challenges despite their dropped optimism about the economic development in China.
As China's economy is experiencing a "structural slowdown", deepening reforms and continuing the opening-up strategy will be the priority for the next five-year blueprint. The preparation for the 13th Five-Year Plan will come to an end in 2015. The European Chamber has followed closely the drafting process and expects to play an active role in terms of early stage consultation.
The economic development guidelines for the five years from 2016 will exert great impact on a large number of business sectors. The European Chamber would like to provide this cross industry platform where government affairs professionals could exchange over the impact of the economic slowdown, approaches adopted in this context and expectations over the 13th Five-Year Plan, etc. Members are invited to review and respond to the latest economic development in China, challenges in their advocacy and lobby activities and what can be done to address those challenges.
During this GA Roundtable, we will review the Chamber’s existing efforts on this regard and share experiences of members to pave the way for future lobby effort.
Tentative Agenda
1. Welcome Remarks from Chair
2. Updates from European Chamber on Existing Lobbying Effort
3. Checking the pulse of China---Roundtable Discussion
4. AOB
If you would like to attend this roundtable, please register above or contact Ms. Yefang Wang (yfwang@europeanchamber.com.cn) by COB Wednesday 9 September, 2015.