Practical Insights on China 2006
Fifth Annual AeA High-Tech Update

Event Summary  - Photo Gallery - Your Recommendations Invited

BTU International, Inc. is known as "The Global Leader in Thermal Technology."  The company's CEO, Paul van der Wansem, opened the event, speaking about his company's extremely successful experience in China.  Some 84% of BTU's revenue comes from outside the United States, with approximately 25% produced from within their China facility. 

Traveling from AeA's Beijing office, Managing Director Greg Shea spoke about his extensive experience assisting U.S. companies in the Chinese market.  Following Greg, Balaji Krishnamurthy, President of LogiStyle, and former President and Chief Executive Officer of Planar Systems, shared pertinent information about his experiences moving 10 different factories into China and other Asian countries. 

Norbert Mendlicki, CEO of Mobile Control Systems, a growing private company headquartered in Belgium, talked about how his company's earlier days of trading to China eventually resulted in his establishing a joint venture to do manufacturing there. 

From the Chinese Embassy, Yang Guohua, Counselor for IP, offered the group an update on IP Protection in China and how the Chinese government is fighting fraud.  He encouraged technology companies to contact his office if they were experiencing problems.

From AeA member company and event host, Nair & Co.'s Anna George, Client Services Director and Senior Tax Manager and Alvin Chan, APA Division Manager, shared some practical advice on entering China.  This included strategies on how to set up business there, and how to handle common tax, business and real estate issues likely to be encountered as a foreign company doing business in China.

After a questions and answers session, the audience left with a lot of new and useful information that would surely assist them, whether currently in the early stages of entering the Chinese market, simply considering it or already involved and looking to make the most of the experience.  One important piece of advice shared by all of the presenters was to "be sure you have a strategy."  Balaji Krishnamurthy added, "if you are considering doing business in China, you must have the conviction."  

To obtain copies of the presentations, please contact AeA's Anne Doherty Johnson.  And don't miss our next event - review the AeA New England event calendar for more networking and professional development opportunities.

Do you have an idea for a guest speaker?  Are you interested in joining one of AeA New England's Committees? Do you want to help shape AeA's local events?  We invite you to join our Program Committee to plan future programs of interest. For more information, contact Diane Donaghey or call 781.938.1925, x104.

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This page was last updated on 09/25/06.
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