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2007-04-06 | Beijing

The European Chamber Annual General Meeting Successful

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China held its seventh Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 3rd of April in Beijing. Honorary President Ambassador Serge Abou, Head of Delegation of the European Commission presided and introduced Mr. Gunter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission. Over 90 guests representing corporate members of the Chamber attended.

In his speech Mr. Verheugen stated that there have been remarkable positive changes both in Europe and China in building a stronger and more strategic relationship in the past few decades, although the citizens of the two sides don’t yet understand each other enough. He added that communicating to the citizens was very important and necessary. After his intensive dialogue in China, he believes that the EU has many unexplored opportunities in China. The EU wants to have much bigger scope of cooperation with China, which should not only focus on trade or economic issues but also international cooperation.

During his discussions with Chinese leaders and Ministries it was agreed that there is a need to create strong cooperation in the areas of energy efficiency and environmental-friendly energy technologies. This will help China meet the current challenges, and for EU companies who have the technologies and experience available, this can be a win win situation. He indicated it was his intention to convince the European companies of the large opportunities available.

Mr. Verheugen also praised Mr. Serge Janssens de Varebeke, the outgoing President of the European Chamber for his achievements, and thanked him for his contribution, energy and enthusiasm to the Chamber. At the same time, he wished the successor the same success.

Mr. Janssens presented his report for 2006 highlighting the positive position of the Chamber in terms of lobbying activities, visibility, membership growth, financial resources as well as cooperation with national chambers. Mr. Janssens also took the opportunity to thank all the Chamber staff, the Executive Committee, members of the Chamber, Corporate Sponsors, as well as Ambassador Abou and staff of the EU Delegation, for their invaluable support to the Chamber. In the absence of the Treasurer, he presented the financial report for 2006 and outlook for 2007. In conclusion Mr. Janssens confirmed his continuing support for the Chamber through his participation in the Advisory Council as the appointed representative of Fortis Bank.

Christophe Texier, of Mazars confirmed in their opinion, the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Accounting System for Not-For- Profit and Non Governmental Organisations promulgated by the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of the Company as at 31 December 2006, and the results of operations and cash flows of the company for the year then ended. In absence of any questions these were approved.

Miguel Ceballos-Baron, Counsellor Economic and Commercial at the Delegation, in his role as Returning Officer conducted the elections for the new Executive Committee of the Chamber.

The candidate for President Joerg Wuttke, the candidates for the three Vice President positions, Mr.Jacques de Boisseson, Mr. Giancarlo Grech and Mr. Henry Wang presented themselves to the members and their reasons for standing. A similar statement was read on behalf of Carlo Frondaroli, the candidate for the position of Treasurer. As they were unopposed the returning officer, following the members’ agreement, declared them duly elected.

Following his election as President, Joerg Wuttke explained that he will focus on strengthening the Working Groups of the Chamber, enhancing bilateral relationship with national Chambers of the European countries and consolidating the Chamber offices after several years of expansion.

In paying tribute to the years of enthusiastic support for the Chamber as a States’ Representative, a Vice President and finally President Mr. Joerg Wuttke presented Mr. Janssens with a framed photograph of the Executive Committee to commemorate his last meeting and in appreciation of his many years support, guidance and development of the Chamber under his stewardship.

Following conclusion of the AGM, the members enjoyed a convivial social gathering.