Economy

Forum on Sino-European economic ties to be held in Prague

By Matthew Fulco (China Daily Shanghai Bureau)
Updated: 2010-11-08 12:34

The China Investment Forum (CIF) will be held in Prague from November 8 to 11 to bolster economic ties between China and the nations of Central and Eastern Europe. It will bring together 500 business leaders from Europe and 200 from China to explore investment and trade opportunities.

The forum intends to build upon the success of the Central and Eastern European Investment Day held at the Shanghai World Expo in July, which attracted nine countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.

"At the Expo, the Chinese and European parties had a great chance to become acquainted," said Petr Hyl, Executive Chairman of CIF. "I expect the results of the Prague event to be fruitful for all, especially in terms of informing Chinese investors on the rich opportunities available to them in Central and Eastern Europe."

With its strategic geographic location, the region can act as a gateway for Chinese businesses to Europe's 500 million consumers, he added.

The forum is divided into 3 parts - Economics & Finance, Trade & Investment and a special section for Chinese businesspeople.

During the Economics & Finance section, experts will discuss the future of the Chinese economy, including a panel discussion on how China can overcome its dependence on exports.

The Trade & Investment section will explore how Central and Eastern European companies can succeed in China, focusing on the automotive, information technology, pharmaceutical and services sectors.

"Navigating the China market as a new entrant is complex," said Teppo Helles, Executive Director of CIF. "This part of the forum aims to clarify that process for European businesses."

Chinese participants interested in the Central and Eastern European markets will have the chance during the special section of the forum to network with government officials and businesspeople from the region.

After the forum ends, Chinese participants will take a five-day regional tour to explore investment opportunities in biotechnology, nanotechnology and anti-virotics - drugs effective against viruses.

The China Investment Forum is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and Ministry of Economy and Construction of the Slovak Republic. It is officially supported by the Delegation of the European Union to China and Mongolia and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

For additional information on the China Investment Forum, please visit http://www.cif2010.com/en/