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About the Event:

China's 6th Plenum, more properly called the Sixth plenary session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), was held in October 2016. Led by President Xi Jinping, the CPC established fresh impetus and comprehensive guidelines for strict governance within the party. These new rules were designed to prevent party members from becoming corrupt, especially those holding high-ranking positions. They reveal the strategic vision of a ruling party focused on self renewal, and define China’s path in the context of the global economic realities.

In the third, fourth and fifth plenary sessions, the CPC Central Committee made progress for the first three of The "Four Comprehensives" – building of an all-round moderately prosperous society, deepening of reform, and advancement of the rule of law. This Sixth plenary session will complete the picture by aiming at the fourth "Comprehensive", namely the strict governing of the CPC.
By strengthening intra-party governance and furthering the anti-corruption campaign, China will continue to advance its own economy. In addition, it will help raise the country’s international status.

So the question is, what are the key developments to watch to get clarity on what this will mean for your business? What is likely to transpire in the next few years?

Gain insights on these issues at this exceptional event. Take the opportunity to learn from and interact with senior business executives, policy makers, experts and respected thought leaders through the keynote presentation followed by the highly interactive panel.

 

About the Speakers:

Dr Annie Wu SBS, JP

Annie Wu’s entrepreneurial success story began in 1980 when she and her father, Dr James T Wu established the first joint venture (001) between Hong Kong and Mainland China through the cooperation between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and Hong Kong Beijing Air Catering Ltd. She is at present the Honorary Chairman of some 10 joint venture air catering companies which provide major market share of air catering in Mainland China. Its catering quality enjoys great prestige both at home and abroad.

Following the establishment of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) in 1968 with its headquarters in New York, Annie Wu was elected Board Member of the Association in 1980s and at the time, she was the first Asian woman board member. She organized for WTCA the first trade mission to China in the year 1980. As a result of her consistent efforts, many key cities in Mainland China joined the Association and linked to a network of over 300 WTCs in nearly 100 countries worldwide to promote prosperity through trade.

In the year 2000, Annie Wu established the Chinese Foundation Secondary School in Hong Kong with the assistance of her good friends. CFSS is a co-educational school operating under the Direct Subsidy Scheme with English as a teaching medium. The school enjoys flexibility and independence including the ability to tailor-make programmes to meet the various needs of students in the context of societal change. Students are inspired to develop their potentials particularly in the areas of science and technology as well as sustainable development and environment protection.

Annie Wu serves on various advisory bodies including a Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. She is actively involved in advancing the cause of women’s issues as well as education for youth both in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Her successful career and contribution to community services have won her various awards for excellence.

 

David Frey
KPMG Advisory (China) Limited
Partner, Markets Strategy

David appears regularly as a guest commentator in print media and on television regarding China’s economic development and US-China commercial issues. David’s views are called upon by both foreign governments and the China government, having served as an expert witness at a US Congressional Commission on China’s Five Year Plans, chairing a roundtable session at China’s prestigious Party School, and hosting numerous multi-lateral sessions with the Development Research Center(DRC) of the State Council regarding the financing of China’s urbanization. He is regularly invited to participate in closed-door discussions with Ambassadors, government ministers, and company Boards on the opportunities and challenges of operating in China.

Before beginning his consulting career, David worked at the OECD Development Centre in Paris, as an aide to a prominent United States Senator in Washington, and in strategic planning roles with two global telecommunications companies. David holds a Master of Arts degree from the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in English literature.

 

Robert T. Grieves
Chairman of Hamilton Advisors Limited

Robert T. Grieves is the Founder and Chairman of Hamilton Advisors Limited, a strategic communications firm based in Hong Kong. Following a 12-year career in journalism atThe Times(London) andThe Economist(both in Beijing), andTimemagazine andForbes(both in New York), he has been a top-tier communications specialist. Robert’s work post journalism took him to the global public relations firm of Burson-Marsteller; as Head of Marketing and Communications Asia for Merrill Lynch; Head of Global Communications for The Bank of New York; Head of Global Media Relations and Financial Communications for ACE; and as President, Hong Kong for Edelman.

Robert graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in English Literature and East Asian History, and received his M.S. in Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism as well as a certificate from Columbia’s East Asia Institute.

 

Moderator:

Ron Hoffmann
Senior Representative for the Asia Pacific Basin, Government of Alberta

Ron Hoffmann, appointed Alberta’s Senior Representative for the Asia Pacific Basin in the fall of 2014, is a western Canadian who has dedicated most of his professional life advancing Canada’s interests on the world stage. He has spent much of his diplomatic career in Asia, including serving as Ambassador to Afghanistan during the height of Canada’s military, diplomatic and development deployment. He was Ambassador to Thailand, with cross-accreditation to Burma, Cambodia and Laos, and served in the Canadian Embassy in Beijing as Commercial and Economic Counsellor. Earlier in his career, he held key positions in Canadian missions in London, Johannesburg and The Hague.

In Ottawa, Mr. Hoffmann was most recently Director General for Strategic Policy at Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. From 2012-1013 he was Senior Advisor on Asia Strategy and Policy, reporting to Canada's Chief Trade Commissioner. Ron has served on advisory boards and leadership councils and lectures frequently on foreign policy and international affairs.

Mr. Hoffmann will work closely with Alberta’s international offices across the region to promote high level and outcome-oriented engagement among Alberta government and business leaders and Asia counterparts. He will be Alberta’s senior voice in Asia, fostering greater awareness of opportunities to establish and expand trade, investment, innovation and governance partnerships.

 

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