What is the “New Normal” for foreign firms in China? And does it mean that the honeymoon for foreign companies in the People’s Republic is coming to an end? The chairmen of the two largest foreign chambers of commerce in Beijing will offer their insights on these questions. The panel will be moderated by Gady Epstein, Beijing buero chief of The Economist.

Thursday, May 7, 3pm-4:30pm
“Panel Discussion: The ‘New Normal’ for Foreign Companies in China”
Jörg Wuttke, Chief Representative of BASF China
James Zimmerman, Partner in Corporate Practice, Sheppard Mullin
Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China
Embassy of Germany | 80 RMB | Registration

The nearly four decades following the 1978 Reform and Opening Up policy have been marked by an onrush of foreign companies coming to China to take advantage of huge market and potential for economic growth. While these firms have benefitted greatly from their China operations, they now face growing pressure brought on by a slowing Chinese economy and a new determination on the part of the government to support domestic enterprises over foreign firms.  So what is the “New Normal” for foreign firms in China?  And does it mean that the honeymoon for foreign companies in the People’s Republic is coming to an end? The chairmen of the two largest foreign chambers of commerce in Beijing will offer their insights on these questions. The panel will be moderated by Gady Epstein, Beijing buero chief of The Economist.

Jörg Wuttke is Chief Representative of BASF China and is based in Beijing. In 1999 Mr. Wuttke was the founding member of the German Chamber of Commerce in China and from 2001- 2004 was the Chairman of the Board. He is President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, a position he held previously between 2007 and 2010. Jörg Wuttke holds a BA in Business Administration and Economics from Mannheim University and studied Chinese in Shanghai 1982 and in Taipei 1984-85. He is a frequent speaker on business and industry issues in China.

James Zimmerman is a partner in the corporate practice group in the Beijing Office of the prominent global international law firm Sheppard Mullin. He is the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce China, a position he held previously in 2007 and 2008.
Mr. Zimmerman is recognized as one of Asia’s leading business lawyers in the categories of Chinese law, dispute resolution, and general corporate law. He is the author of several books, chapters, and articles concerning trade and issues related to China’s economy.

To register, please click here.

Event information courtesy of Legation Quarter.