On 10 April, BritCham Shanghai launched a brand-new Associate Membership programme at its Zhejiang Office in Gongshu, Hangzhou.
Tailored to cater specifically to Chinese businesses seeking global investment opportunities or overseas ventures, this service aims to provide a platform that shares invaluable insights into global and local trends, and emerging policy reforms. Through access to industry updates and knowledge sharing, members will be equipped with the tools necessary to make informed strategic decisions and make real business connections in this close-knit community.
Over 60 attendees from government, business, academia, and media joined the programme launch ceremony.
The event was hosted by Stuart Dunn, Executive Director of BritCham Shanghai.
“When entering a foreign market, the biggest challenge for any company would be miscommunication. Many British companies have come to China and have not been successful, because they don’t understand how to do business in China. Hopefully, Chinese companies can learn from our mistakes and take more time to understand how to enter those new markets. What we are doing as a chamber is to create a platform and a community, so that people can come together and learn from each other” said Stuart.
Kirsten Johnston, Chair of BritCham Shanghai, guided the attendees through the rebranding journey of the Chamber, showcasing the Chamber’s commitment to fostering meaningful business connections and promoting vibrant bilateral trade and investment between the UK and China.
“The new Associate Membership for Chinese Enterprise presents a wonderful opportunity for closer partnerships to form between UK and Chinese firms. The BritCham Shanghai network is such a powerful resource for members to leverage and springboard into new markets. We look forward to welcoming and growing our Chinese business community.” commented Kirsten.
Adam Davis, Business Development Manager, outlined the Chamber’s objectives and emphasised the pivotal role of its Zhejiang Office.
This event also hallmarked the launch of the Chamber’s “Exporting Outbound Investment Series” which features keynote speeches, seminars, and roundtable discussions on topics to address the practical opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese enterprises that are seizing opportunities to expand globally.
Gabriel Wong, the Executive Committee Sponsor of the Chamber’s Zhejiang Committee, and Head of China Corporate Finance at PwC, delivered a keynote on strategies for inbound and outbound business transfer.
Gabriel highlighted: “Compliance is one of the most overlooked risks for Chinese companies in overseas mergers and acquisitions. Not only in China but laws and policies regarding relevant clauses are constantly changing globally. Therefore, avoiding the risks posed by different policies and overcoming cultural differences are crucial. ”
Member representatives Yu Nan, Partner at Beijing Dacheng Law Office Hangzhou Branch, Jake Waktin, CEO of 8 Hours Ahead, and Herman Sun, Vice President of ICAS International Group, also shared insights into how Chinese enterprises navigate global business strategies.
