London conference to have China focus

By Wang Linyan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-07-30 18:58

Business opportunities in China will be the focus of the 2009 International Capital Conference 2009 to be held in London.

The conference, organized by the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and Cavendish Group, will run from Sept 15-16 at Central Hall Westminster. Its agenda is focused on post-credit crunch opportunities for Chinese companies, as well as the opportunities for Western companies as Chinese financial markets continue to open up to foreign entities.

Participants will discuss China's role in the world's economy, financing and merger strategies, as well as plans for Shanghai’s development into an international financial hub. Business opportunities for Chinese companies relating to London 2012 Olympics are also on the agenda.

"This year's ICC aims to have brainstorming among companies worldwide, pragmatic training on financial instruments and strategies for taking opportunities in the current economic situations," said Long Yongtu, secretary-general of BFA.

The 2009 ICC event will attract more than 200 international delegates from leading Chinese and Western firms, similar to the inaugural ICC 2008, which was also held in London. Organizations that have confirmed their participation include the Ministry of Commerce, China Bank Regulatory Commission as well as British government departments such as the Treasury. High profile speakers include Goldman Sachs’ chief economist Jim O'Neill, The Blackstone Group's Senior Managing Director John Studzinski CBE and Chairman of Chinalco, Xiong Weiping.

Sir William Ehrman, UK ambassador to China, said the London Olympics offers a number of opportunities for Chinese companies, many of which have already won deals from the 70,000 available contracts.

"Twenty-nine percent of all Chinese investments in European Union are in the UK because we are the most open and anti-protectionist of all EU countries. This is a long-term policy of the British government," he said.