The launch of a new Food, Beverage and Hospitality Industry Committee and a successful year of operation for existing committees have formed the backbone of member engagement in 2010 reports AustCham Shanghai Chair, David Keir.
SUPPORTING THE BEST OF AUSTRALIAN HOSPITALITY IN SHANGHAI
Australia is leading the way in Shanghai and Greater China in hospitality and the provision of premium fresh and clean food and beverages. AustCham Shanghai launched its Food, Beverage and Hospitality Industry Committee to support this active and growing part of the business community at the end of November. Business owners and managers reported they saw great value in coming together regularly to discuss how to solve industry issues and collectively build on Australia’s prime position in this field.
The Deputy Consul-General Dene Yeaman gave the group an economic update on factors influencing the sector. Happily, it seems that these industries will continue to grow at a rapid rate as Shanghai moves from a manufacturing to a service based economy. In 2011 the committee will invite key speakers on regulations and food quality, liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on customs and quarantine, and work with Austrade on unified promotion and sharing of ideas about the Australian brand. AustCham Shanghai is looking forward to leveraging opportunities for this dynamic sector.
CHINA (SHENZHEN) FINANCIAL SERVICES EXPOSITION EVENT
In December the AustCham Shanghai and Beijing Joint Financial Services Working Group, in cooperation with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), proudly organised The Australian Financial Services Capability Forum in Shenzhen highlighting the performance and capabilities of the Australian financial services sector.
The forum was supported by local organisers of the China (Shenzhen) International Finance Exposition 2010. Representatives of southern China’s major banking, insurance, securities and funds management firms along with financial sector government policy makers and regulators attended the event. Members, including event sponsors Westpac, CBA, ANZ and Blake Dawson, participated in panel discussions on the Australian banking and funds management sectors, and attended a high-level networking dinner with the Australian Ambassador, His Excellency, Dr Geoff Raby.
MEMBERSHIP RESEARCH
AustCham Shanghai is always focused on improving membership services and offering value-added benefits. We are currently implementing a Membership Research Project to collect feedback on our service delivery. Staff have begun discussions with members about how the Chamber is meeting their needs and expectations, the range of activities offered and business challenges they are facing in their industry, amongst other things.
By the end of January, over 50 existing members and 20 potential members will be interviewed and feedback analysed. As part of this project we will also do a market comparison. Feedback will be shared with our members by the end of April when the project wraps up. For further information please contact Amy Xu, Membership Research Project Coordinator amy.xu@austchamshanghai.com.
FAREWELL TO DARREN LEWIS
AustCham Shanghai Board Director Darren Lewis, of Sai Cheng Logistics International, has returned to Melbourne to take up a position with Australia Post Logistics’ China program. Darren played a pivotal role in reinvigorating the Transport and Logistics Industry Committee and developing the Boards Strategy for 2010-11, including scoping a new communications strategy. His wife Sarah was also a key participant on the Great Australian Ball XV Committee. We wish Darren, Sarah and their family well in their move.
WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS BREAKFAST SERIES
AustCham Shanghai is pleased to launch a new women’s initiative that will bring to the forefront unique issues around women in business. The program aims to join successful professional women from around the Yangtze River Delta Region for a series of networking breakfasts to hear women leaders talk about their road to success. The series will include topics on women as mentors, work-balance life, personal development and transformational women leaders.
WEEKLY AUSSIE DRINKS
Aussie Drinks Central
Friday nights, visitors and guests welcome.
Venue: (New venue for winter) The Camel Sports Bar
No.1 Yue Yang Road (near Dong Ping Road), Shanghai, China
上海市岳阳路1号(靠近东平路)
*Pictured: Grant Hackett and Yogan Rasanayakam, Westpac present the Business Excellence (Large) trophy to Cockram Projects at the ACBA:2010 Awards hosted by AustCham Shanghai.
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