Challenging the dragon

Business Conference - 'The China Challenge'

Friday 7 October 2005
Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Businesses in Scotland seeking an incisive insight to the trading and investment opportunities offered by China, the fastest expanding economy in the world, are being invited to attend a free conference being held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 7th October 2005.

The keynote address will be delivered by First Minister Jack McConnell. He will be followed by a rich mix of speakers including a range of China and UK-based economic development experts and Scottish companies that are already reaping the benefits of successfully trading in China.

Organisers of the event Scottish Development International (SDI) in association with The Royal Bank of Scotland are hoping that companies from across Scotland will take the chance to learn more about the most remarkable economic location of this millennium.

"China's growing impact on the global economy should not be underestimated; its contribution to global GDP growth since 2000 has been almost twice as large as that of the next three biggest emerging economies, India, Brazil and Russia, combined," said Martin Togneri, chief executive of Scottish Development International.

"However, as in all cases, companies should not dash headlong into a new trading arena without first seeking professional advice, timely information and expert assistance. This conference will provide Scottish companies with useful guidance to starting this process."

In addition to the speakers at the event a series of workshops will provide valuable information on subjects such as the financial, legal, regulatory and cultural implications of doing business in China. To maximise the potential benefit to Scottish companies, the organisers are also planning to 'web cast' proceedings so that businesses can access the conference online if they are unable to make it along in person.

Invitations will be issued to businesses over the course of the next few weeks; in the meantime companies can apply to attend by emailing Laura Campbell at SDI at laura.campbell@scotent.co.uk

(News release issued by Scottish Enterprise)