2009 California-China Trade & Investment Conference: Developing Stronger Commercial Ties Between California & China

A day long conference on how to build successful U.S.-China trade relationships.

This World Trade Month Conference will provide valuable insider information to the business owner on how to profit in China now. Expert speakers will go to the core of doing business in China with how-we-did-it case histories of California companies finding success in China. The U.S. Commercial Service will provide case histories of how they have provided valuable services to build successful US-China trade relationships. This is an excellent opportunity to make valuable connections with Southern California Chinese business owners and other California leaders trading and investing in China in 2009. 

Featured Speakers
Ms. Shu Luo Me
Chief Commercial Consul,
Consulate General of People's Republic of China

Ms. Shu Leo Mei gives a 2009 perspective on trade, investment and the current economic environment impact on California-China trade relations. Her front-line perspective from the Los Angeles Consulate on current trade and government-to-government issues willl provide important lessons for all concerned. Learn from the newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer about new opportunities in trade and investment under President Obama's administration. 

Mr. Richard Heckmann, Chairman, Heckmann Corporation Palm Springs, CA gives the history of his acquisition of China Water and Drinks, China's largest distributor of bottled water for $625-million late last year. Mr. Heckmann is highly respected as the founder of United States Filter Corp., and as its CEO sold to Vivendi for approx. $8.2-billion. Mr. Heckmann was CEO of Siemens Water Technologies and Chairman of K2, Inc. Learn from his strategic game plan the why's and how's to acquire the #1 market share in its category in China. California acquisitions of Chinese companies are always a learning experience.   invited

Mr. Benton Wilcoxon, Chairman & CEO, Composite Technology Corp., Irvine, CA. (CPTC.OB) Exporters can learn the case history of CTC and its successful market entry into China's power industry. CTC exports its patented carbon fiber cables for electric power transmission. Their cable is lighter and allows more current to be transmitted at a lower price. In 2008, CTC sold more than $12-million to its Chinese distributor with significant sales increases expected in 2009. How did they structure their joint venture? What deal points make for a winning distribution partnership in China?

Mr. Vance Baugham, President, World Trade Center Association, Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA. How can California companies entice Chinese investment to their projects? What Chinese groups are actively researching new acquisitions and partnerships now? Learn how the WTC/LA has identified nearly 50 of these groups. Mr. Baugham will share the results of their first ever strategic plan for Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in the Los Angeles region. LAEDC recently organized well attended investment conferences in Beijing and Shanghai presenting the value of investment in local companies and properties. How can your company benefit from this Chinese investment?

CASE HISTORY PANEL:

Case History: Rob Robertson, President, Princeton Asia Associates, recounts the case study of how his team in China successfully launched L'Oreal's #1 salon haircare brand into a record-breaking 10,000 salon outlets…starting from zero. Learn critical steps of gaining mass retail and consumer acceptance for an unknown brand. Learn the insider information on how L'Oreal succeeded through the maze of Chinese product positioning, industry dynamics and culture. How did they set up their multi-layered distribution system?   

Case History: Joseph Anzalone, Sr. Vice President, MediaG3, Inc., (MDGC-OTC) a leading California developer for broadband wireless and interactive rich-media content delivery applications. Learn how they became a modern-day pioneer in providing broadband internet and television coverage in rural areas of China, serving some 900 million residents. MediaG3 was awarded a grant from the U.S. Trade & Development Agency to support their Pilot Project in China. Learn how they gained essential government approvals and support from Chinese and the US government. (invited)

FINANCE PANEL:

A 2009 perspective on China finance issues from taxation, tariffs, partnerships and other valuable information. Learn from senior officers in accounting, banking and Chinese financial incentives for environmental infrastructure development.

Dr. Richard Y. Koo, Founder & Managing Partner, Koo, Chow & Co. LLP, Los Angeles shares his valuable experiences on current finance, management and taxation issues important to the exporter. He serves for the China National Tax Bureau as an advisor on tax reform, was appointed as an Acting Secretary of the State of California, and was featured in a Time Magazine article concerning tax issues for American companies active in China business. How will his 2009 perspective benefit your company?

Ms. Su Ho, Partner, KPMG, LLP, International Tax Practices gives front line advice for California companies doing business in China. Learn from other finance and banking specialists about the impact of new Chinese banking regulations, import-export rules, new custom and VAT issues.

Mr. Thomas J. Burr, Senior V.P. - Manager of Export Finance, City National Bank. In this segment you will learn from a banking professional how to plan your export strategy that will be "bank friendly" in terms of financing. Learn what tools and techniques banks have for you to help you reach new markets in China and mitigate your risk in the exporting process. Armed with this knowledge you will be able to better identify the right customers in your markets of choice and negotiate terms that not only meet their needs but also fit your bank's lending criteria. City National Bank works closely with ExIm and other government agencies to maximize the exporter's profitability and ease of transaction.

GOVERNMENT PANEL:

How to use your tax dollars to expand trade for California products/services in China. Learn from senior leaders of the U.S. government how business owners can maximize low cost government services to stimulate exports, find new distribution partners and business opportunities.

Mr. William Zarit, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Operations, for the U.S. Commercial Service, overseeing Commercial Sections in U.S. Embassies. Gain valuable insights about business generation in China and government assistance from Mr. Zarit, recently appointed as the Minister Counselor, Commercial Affairs in the Beijing Embassy.

Mr. David Josephson, Western Region Director, Import-Export Bank of America (ExIm) gives insider tips on how to gain additional government financial support with loan guarantees and export financing and other services. Learn about the significant, long-sought chances to its finance offerings for small companies trying to build an export business.

Mr. David Fulton, Director, Office of the U.S. Executive Director, The World Bank Group, Washington D.C. Mr. Fulton helps U.S. companies learn now to pursue World Bank-funded contacts in emerging markets. China is one of the World Bank's largest customers, with dozens of Projects and billions of dollars in the pipeline. Learn how small-to-medium size companies can now more easily participate in World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, where he as Senior Commercial Officer, represented and facilitated US companies to secure ADB contracts.
 
* One-On-One private meetings can be scheduled at the Conference with these senior government officials for Friday, May 22.