Australian business continues to build in the Yangtze River Delta region, writes AustCham Shanghai Chair, David Keir.
Shanghai has always been a heady mix of hectic work days, boundless networking nights and remarkable people and companies. In the year to date we’ve been lucky in continuing to celebrate this environment among the Australia-China business community in Shanghai. Our Chamber is constantly building momentum and strength thanks to our active members who are committed to building their businesses throughout the Yangtze River Delta region. The benefits of seeking and exchanging information with peers and mentors can be immense, and can mean the difference between going from strength to strength to falling by the wayside. AustCham Shanghai is dedicated to providing outstanding networking opportunities and industry-specific information for members. The level of activity over the last few months, including an average of three events on topical issues each week, has further driven our dynamic nature.
KEY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
We were extremely pleased to host Ms Jing Ulrich, J.P Morgan Managing Director and Chairman of Global Markets, China, in presenting a keynote seminar on China’s rapidly developing policy environment and potential risks to launch the Chamber’s Executive Boardroom Event Series in March. Ms Ulrich was ranked as one of Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Global Businesswomen in 2009 and 2010.
During April we extended invitations to Platinum and other highly-active Chamber members to attend the 2nd Australia China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and senior Chinese Government ministers in Beijing. The event presented strong insights into the bilateral relationship impacting Australian business.
We also banded with Kea, New Zealand’s global network in Shanghai for our 5th Annual Corporate Golf Day and festive awards dinner with major sponsor BlueScope Steel in April.
*Pictured: AustCham Shanghai Vice Chair Seamus Cornelius and BlueScope Steel President Bob Moore at the AustCham Shanghai & Kea 5th Annual Corporate Golf Day.
As citizens of New South Wales went to the polls to elect their new State Government, our office displayed its capabilities in conducting official pre-polling services and welcoming more than 300 people to cast their vote.
AustCham Shanghai’s six Industry Committees (open to Corporate Members) are continuing to grow with around 30 people attending each committee’s monthly events. Major activities and events have included the investment landscape of property development in China and the development of the Joint AustCham Shanghai Financial Services White Paper.
NEW ADDITIONS & MOVEMENTS
Congratulations to Ben Lyons, new Interim Board Director. Ben has more than 10 years experience in marketing and management in China and will drive developments across the Chamber’s communications. The Annual General Meeting in June presents opportunities for the membership body to elect Board Directors for the coming year.
We have also welcomed James O’Loughlin, new Membership Manager responsible for further developing the Australia-China business community’s engagement throughout the Chamber and its activities. James will work closely with Executive Director Kate Pollitt and Membership Associate Jane Xia in driving continual enhancements in how the Chamber supports its members.
Thank you to our 12 Platinum Members who have signed up for the year. They are:
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- Australia and New Zealand Bank (China) Company Limited
- Blake Dawson International Lawyers Shanghai Representative Office
- BlueScope Steel China
- Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia Shanghai Branch
- ManageChina
- National Australia Bank Limited Shanghai Branch Preparatory Committee
- Rio Tinto Trading(Shanghai) Co., Ltd
- TNT Express Worldwide (China) Ltd
- Westpac Banking Corporation, Shanghai Branch
- Which Property Pty Ltd
- And our Platinum Travel Partner, Qantas Airways Limited.
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We endeavor to work extremely closely with these members in sustaining their growth throughout the region. â–
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
We have a steady stream of upcoming events and industry committee activities, with full details on our website. We welcome those based across Greater China to come along to Aussie Drinks on Friday nights whenever you’re in Shanghai.
Our new Corporate Social Responsibility Partner Program, with a central theme on building partnerships that benefit both the broader community and our members, has kicked off and we’re currently reviewing tenders from prospective partners.
The Great Australian Ball, the highlight of the Shanghai social calendar, will be held on Saturday, September 17. Mark your diaries and contact us if you would like to sponsor the night or prizes.
As our members grow and prosper, so does the Chamber. Get involved and reap the benefits.
Aussie Drinks Central, Friday nights
Visitors and guests welcome.
Venue: The Camel Sports Bar
No.1 Yue Yang Lu (near Dongping lu), Shanghai, China
Join Us – Get Involved
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T: +86 21 6248 8301
*To read more about AustCham Shanghai’s SME working group, click here.
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