China's Cybersecurity Law, passed in 2016, with a limited roll-out in 2017, will be more widely rolled out on December 1, 2019. The law in its current form has been only applied on secure networks and has been slowly implemented. However, until now, the law has only been technically applied to companies that could cause national security problems. After Dec 1, the law will apply to every company and sector. The law - after it is rolled out - will allow the government to audit private business networks and mandates companies to use government-approved security equipment including "critically infrastructure sectors". This may require foreign companies to switch over from private networks to government-controlled network operators, potentially putting corporate data privacy at risk.

The law has been controversial for foreign businesses for its perceived intrusiveness and onerous burdens placed on companies operating in mainland China. In addition, the law has also caused concern over its data localization policies, unclear rules and guidelines, and concerns over the protection of corporate trade secrets. The rolled-out rules are expected to impact all sectors in China, not exclusive to the technology sector, but all industries.

The Policy and Government Relations Committee, in partnership with the Technology Committee, will host a panel discussion on the upcoming implementation of the law. The presenters will discuss:

• Analysis of the law; what companies need to be aware;

• How to prepare and what are the costs of compliance;

• Regulations on cross border data flows;

• How the new law impacts the protection of IP and trade secrets;

• Will the law add more regulatory burdens for foreign companies to advantage domestic companies;

• The economic impact of the law on foreign investment and broader Chinese economy; and

• How this will impact Hong Kong based companies looking to expand into the mainland

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Ben Wootliff — Partner, Control Risks

Ben Wootliff is head of Control Risks Cyber Security practice in Asia. In addition to managing cybersecurity projects for clients, and developing methodologies and product offerings, Ben leads the cybersecurity strategy for Control Risks in Asia. Prior to this Ben was the General Manager of Control Risks Hong Kong where he had oversight of a range of investigative, crisis and security management, and political risk projects. He has also managed corporate investigations teams in Europe and Asia, including managing the corporate investigations business in Greater China and North Asia.

Nick Marro — Lead, Global Trade, The Economist - Intelligence Unit

Nick is The EIU’s Lead analyst for covering global trade issues, and has a particular focus on forecasting developments and providing external commentary tied to the US-China trade war. He is also responsible for The EIU’s views on international trade issues more generally, including on US-EU trade relations, USMCA, CPTPP and topics around supply chains and globalisation. In addition to that role, Nick also concurrently serves on The EIU’s Asia team as lead analyst for China and Macau, as well as supporting analyst for Taiwan. In that role, he conducts analysis on macro-economic and political developments in those economies, as well as specific topics including China’s foreign business environment, cross-Strait affairs and the Belt and Road Initiative. Nick is also a member of The EIU’s Access China team, where he conducts research on China’s 31 provinces and nearly 300 key prefectures.    

Audrey Luo — Partner, Global Law Office

Ms Luo is a partner of Global Law Office in Shenzhen. Ms Luo focuses her practice on cross-border investment, merger and acquisition, private equity, fund formation, capital market and compliance. Ms Luo has represented companies, banks and other financial institutions in a number of cross-border investment, merger and acquisition, private equity, fund formation and initial public offerings and listing involving Fintech, biologic and medical technologies, medical equipment, automobile, manufacturing, natural resources, new energy, retail, entertainment, e-commerce, real estate, environmental protection and other industries. In addition, Ms Luo also handles compliance matters for a number of companies in Mainland China, Hong Kong, British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR:

Brett Stephenson — Co-Chair, Policy and Government Relations Committee

Brett is the Editor of The Assay, a mining investment publication focusing on investment and relevant topics in the mining sector. Prior to joining The Assay, Brett worked at the American Chamber of Commerce in China as a government affairs and energy coordinator, developing policy reports that were used by Chinese and US government officials and reported on by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Financial Times, and other media outlets. Prior to his time in China, Brett worked for the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, and other roles in government relations and communications in Canada’s oil and gas sector. Brett also provides advice to Canadian politicians on Canada-Asia trade issues and political campaigns on an ongoing basis, and is the Co-Chair for the Policy and Government Relations Committee with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

Cancellation policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong cancels the event. If you are unable to attend, cancellations must be received in writing 72 hours prior to the event. No shows will be charged.