While tough times for business continue as the Shanghai “dragon’s head” tosses relentlessly, AustCham Shanghai 15th Anniversary initiatives strengthen information and advocacy support for membership, reports Chair, Stephen White.

15th ANNIVERSARY 2009

Despite 2009 proving more about treacherously bucking steers than steady oxen, AustCham Shanghai begins celebrating not only 15 increasingly successful years to date, but strong future optimism. Special celebration events in Shanghai will be matched by reunions during the year in several Australian cities for returned friends of AustCham Shanghai. Anniversary initiatives include “roll out” of the new website, further development of E-Cooee electronic newsletter magazine content, preparations for AustCham Shanghai’s participation in World Expo 2010 Shanghai, and further development of the new “business concerns” quarterly survey initiated in March. 

OUT AND ABOUT

Events programming actively reflects current membership concerns from financial crisis, environment and architecture issues, debt collection, Organisational Development and Labour Law, HR and 2nd Tier Cities’ updates. Keynote speakers included the Hon. Tony Burke, Minister for Agriculture and Gail Kelly CEO and Managing Director of Westpac. Site visits covered the impressive IKEA Distribution Centre and Test Laboratory in Fengxian district, and increasing contact with membership businesses located in Suzhou.

BUSINESS CONCERNS SURVEY

Initial reports from AustCham Shanghai’s first local survey exploring Investment concerns and challenges for Australian business in the Shanghai Yangtze Delta East Coastal China region have been compiled. While market impacts of the current global economic downturn were reflected, many respondents emphasised their greatest continuing concerns were longstanding issues for Australian (and all foreign invested) business locally. Comments also reflected frustration in dealing beyond the face of rapid, recent modernisation, with the realities of a still developing economic environment under great pressure. Many businesses noted the ongoing need for greater preparedness when investing in China. AustCham Shanghai will be circulating quarterly updated survey insights to membership and reporting regularly to government and others involved in bilateral and local negotiations and in policy decision making affecting Australia-China business.

BUSHFIRE RESPONSE

AustCham Shanghai community outreach traditionally supports local community activities in China. For the first time in response to the recent bushfires, hundreds of Australian, Chinese and foreign friends gathered at a special Aussie Drinks evening to share their concern and raise generous funds for bushfire relief to send home.

ANZAC DAY REMEMBRANCE

This year’s ANZAC Day memorial service and morning tea was shared with NZ colleagues and friends in the Australian Consulate- General Residence garden kindly hosted by Consul General, Tom Connor. AustCham Shanghai and Kea, the local NZ business group, later jointly hosted a sausage sizzle and traditionally robust game of 2-up.

ACBC CANBERRA VISIT

Kate Pollitt, AustCham Shanghai Executive Director represented AustCham Shanghai membership during ACBC’s annual Canberra Visit in March. ACBC’s kind invitation to this valuable event was greatly appreciated. Thank you!

JOIN US - GET INVOLVED

Register to receive E—Cooee weekly going free to over 4000 registered recipients
w: www.austchamshanghai.com
e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

VISITING SHANGHAI

See you at Kakadu! Aussie Drinks Networking Friday nights, visitors welcome. Premium Australian beverages from Elders, Just Beer and ASC Fine Wines.

Community Outreach fundraiser

Venue: Kakadu, 8 Jianguo Zhong Lu near cnr Chongqing Lu