Highlights from Directorship:11 – Beijing
More than 400 delegates enjoyed three days in Beijing:
- networking with Chinese and Australian business leaders
- developing the China–Australia relationship
- advancing director governance in Australia and internationally.
Highlights from Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 were recorded in our newsletter, Conference Directions.
A video message from The Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and The Hon Craig Emerson MP, Australian Minister for Trade to thank delegates for their visit and encourage more focus on this important trade relationship.
HE Dr Geoff Raby, Australian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China encouraged directors to gather greater knowledge of, and raise their interest in, China as Australia’s largest trading partner. Directors should strive to become "China literate". Having a physical presence in China will, although having a cost in terms of time and money, reap rewards – especially in building relationships. Dr Raby stated this was simply good corporate governance.
Listen to Dr Raby's opening speech at the Conference.
Clint Laurent, Global Demographics Hong Kong – "the shape of Asia is changing rapidly".
In the next 10 years, China will no longer be the manufacturing centre of the world and India will require an extra one thousand teachers a year to match China’s educational standards. How will China also look with its increasing aging population?
Listen to Clint Laurent's speech, 'Asia relative to the rest of the world – in 2030'.
Dr Fan Gang, one of China’s most influential economists and leading reform advocates, believes China will continue its strong economic growth for at least 20 years, however the major problems it faces include low levels of domestic consumption and 4 billion people entering the global labour market.
James MacKenzie FAICD, Chairman, Pacific Brands Ltd, Lorna Davis, President and Chairman, Kraft Foods China and Clinton Dines, Former President, BHP Billiton China shared their remarkable experiences in Tales from the International Corporate Battlefield. Highlights included Lorna’s new found understanding of the Chinese culture and Clinton’s copyright struggle with his own IP alongside the intense pressures of doing business in China. Each year this session is Chatham House Rule to allow opportunity for a more candid narrative of the huge obstacles that face directors and we recommend you do not miss this one next time.
All photos © Helen Couchman