中国欧盟经理人协会 EU-China Managers Association

Beijing, May 12th 2009 will remain an eminent date in the history of EUCMA as it marks the inauguration of the EU-China Managers Association’s (EUCMA) partnership together with the EU Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC). The special event was honored by the exclusive briefing on “The Future of EU-China Commercial Relations” given by the head of the EU delegation in China, Ambassador Mr. Serge Abou.

The event attracting more than 140 representatives from various business sectors, EUCCC members, EUCMA members as well as Chinese and foreign media representatives at the Grand Ball room of the Kerry Center Hotel was also a double celebration, as it coincided with the celebrations on occasion of the Europe day on May 9th.

The seminar was opened with the welcoming remarks by Mr. Jacques de Boisséson, the European Chamber Vice President, and Mr. Alessandro Celestino, the EUCMA President.

Mr. Abou provided an overview of the current state of EU-China trade relations and analysis of the issues related to the economic and political role that China will play in future. It was emphasized that with China gaining economic power, inevitably responsibility comes. At the moment China, same like Europe, is exposed to the same problems of how to stimulate the economy, avoid protectionism and organize new regulation on financial industry. It is by no doubt the more important role China is going to play on the financial side and its vital presence in the international financial stage like the IMF and the World Bank. The stimulus package for China at first sight gives positive results and by every means a successful recovery of China will bring good not only to its economy, but also to the rest of the world. It was expressed the opinion that China still has its own problems to solve, but the most important is rebalancing the economy, shifting it from export to an increased domestic demand.

As remarked by Mr. Abou, what is happening in the economic world has a direct reflection on the political situation, which calls for a real effort, and there is no other way but the free trade and putting efforts on securing this value. He also mentioned that the good atmosphere at the HL Dialogue seemed to be a good start of this process but it should be followed by actions. In conclusion it was highlighted that Europe is competitive enough and it is by no doubt beneficial for both sides not only Europe to invest in China, but also China’s potential to invest in Europe.

The EU-China Managers Association

The EUCMA, co-funded by the EU Commission, brings together the high-level managers that have been trained through the EU-China Managers Training Programs. It was established in year 1999 and today counts over 450 members both from China and Europe. Among its main partners are the EU Commission, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

The EU Chamber of Commerce in China

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China was established on 19th October 2000, by 51 founding members from a variety of European Union companies based in China and with the support of the Delegation of the European Commission. Since its establishment, the European Chamber has developed into a highly active organization representing more than 1300 European businesses, from multinational corporations to small and medium-size enterprises.

Partnership to form continent-spanning business network

The partnership of the two EU organizations (EUCMA & EUCCC) is focused on the promotion of EU-China business and cooperation. United by a common aim and supported by the Delegation of the European Commission in China, the two organizations shaked hands for the setting up of a wide business network all over China that eventually will bring both to cooperation in future common activities.

The briefing was followed by Q&A session and networking drinks among all the participants.