Amidst the turmoil of an uncertain financial environment, Roger Wolfe, AustCham Beijing’s Chairman, steers the Chamber into 2009, with a full and diverse calendar of events.  

Beijing was arguably the most exciting place to be in the world in 2008, what will 2009 bring? The worldwide economic downturn has seen the world’s top economies being hit hard, with the US, UK, Japan and the Euro zone all officially slipping into recession. While the Chinese economy has not been spared the negative effects, with levels of GDP growth falling to record lows, AustCham Beijing remains optimistic about business operations in China. 

Recent guest speakers have highlighted different aspects of the financial situation, with Mr. Stephen Joske noting that “the Chinese economy is driven more by domestic investment than exports” and therefore “we need to look to the construction sector for a recovery in China later in 2009". 

In addition, guest speakers at joint chamber events have provided practical tools and advice to not only survive the downturn but also prosper. Chamber resources will be boosted with additional staff and streamlining of communications, and a member survey will be issued aimed at identifying areas where we can enhance the value and services provided. We are looking forward to a busy and exciting Year of the Ox and to seeing you at an event soon. 

China & The Global Financial Crisis 

The first of our monthly breakfast finance functions, in conjunction with BenCham and IsCham, was a presentation on China & the Global Financial Crisis from Stephen Joske, Director of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s China Forecasting Service in Beijing. Mr. Joske outlined the decline in global growth and the volatility of financial markets, and the impact this might have on China.  

Kooka Carvery & Australia Day BBQ 

Christmas was celebrated early with AustCham Beijing members and friends enjoying the Kooka Christmas Carvery at Aria. Thank you to Aria at China World Hotel for all their support in 2008 hosting our regular Kooka Networking drinks. Oakwood Residence and AustCham Beijing hosted a family fun day out, to celebrate an early Australia Day. With kids swimming in the pool and a sausage sizzle, it was a great reminder of home.  

Working Groups 

John Russell, Vice President Asia Pacific, Weber Shandwick recently discussed effectively working with influential individuals to achieve goals without resorting to dispute resolution at the joint AustCham Beijing and BritCham sourcing working group meeting. John Courtney, Urban Planning Advisor, guest of the Construction Working Group, told the story of a quarter century of rapid urban changes taking place in the Middle Kingdom, highlighting the challenge of maintaining old Beijing amongst the rapid changes.  

The Working Groups will continue to grow and expand in 2009, and will meet regularly. Visit our website for details of upcoming meetings.  

AustCham Ball
As this issue goes to press, the AustCham Beijing and Telstra Sensis Love Australia Ball is all systems go. Come Saturday 14 February, it will be the place to be. A sell-out crowd of more than 750 people is once again expected for one of the biggest and most anticipated nights in Beijing’s social scene. Guests will be able to purchase unique celebrity Heart Art, check out international special guests and win great prizes. This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, Big Heart Sponsor Telstra Sensis; Champagne Sponsor ANZ; Caviar Sponsors Star City and WesTrac; Chocolate Sponsors Dulwich College Beijing, GNS China and Mallesons Stephen Jaques; and Entertainment & Venue Sponsors ABT Creative, Qantas, ETG Staging Connections and China World Hotel.

Proceeds from the evening will go to Heart to Heart Shanghai, a non-profit community outreach organization who donate their time and money to entertain and give support to children who are undergoing heart surgery.

For more information on Chamber events contact the Secretariat on  +86 106595 9252  or visit: www. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .