CCG stages discussions about MNCs’ role in China’s economic transformation at Guiyang Eco Forum Friday,Jun 26, 2015

The Center for China & Globalization sponsored two key events at the 2015 Guiyang Eco Forum International on June 26th to discuss the new role and opportunities for multinational companies in China as it reinvents itself economically.  One of the events, the Forum “New Opportunities for MNCs in China’s Economic and Environmental Transformation,” which was hosted by CCG President Dr. Wang Huiyao, brought together a number of political and business leaders to share their insights and opinions.  These individuals included:

·Wang Jiangping, Vice Governor of Guizhou
·Maggie Sans, Senior Vice President and Chief  Affairs Officer of Wal-Mart  China
·Zhang Huaying, Vice President of  Greater China and Korea of Coca-Cola
·Bertrand de La Noue, General Representative of Total in China
·Yang Rongwen, Vice Chairman of Kerry Properties
·Huang Xiaojun, Vice President of Veolia China
·Kjeld Staerk, President of Danfoss Global Services
·Zhou Yuqing, Vice President of Philips Household Products Group

Following Vice Governor Wang’s opening remark, the senior executives one-by-one examined the new opportunities and challenges for China as its economy enters into the “New Normal” economic growth era.   They not only addressed this issue from the angle of their individual industries, but also explored how MNCs can improve China’s environment and achieve “win-win” outcomes for it and foreign businesses operating in the country.

Other major issues discussed at the forum included the impact of China’s initiatives to involve MNCs and their respective industries in making their operations more eco-friendly to better fulfill their environmental responsibilities.  The business executives agreed that community life is a core part of sustainable development and that MNCs should help promote it.  These companies are now being encouraged to improve living standards in China by providing good-quality and affordable products and forming alliances with suppliers, governments, and environmental NGOs to ensure sustainable economic development.

Earlier that day, CCG hosted another closed-door roundtable during which MNC executives provided policy recommendations for China’s sustainable development. In addition to the representatives mentioned above from Walmart, Coco Cola, Danfoss, Kerry, Total, and Philips, other business executives present at the roundtable included Greenpoint Founder and President Daniel Wright  and Managing Director of SRI Executive Search Seamus McGardle. Those attending the roundtable from the government/public sector included:

·Zhang Xinsheng, former Vice Education Minister and Secretary General of Guiyang Eco Forum International;
·Long Yongtu, former MOFCOM Minister and the Chairman of CCG’s Strategic Advisory Council;
·Xie Qiang, the vice chairman of Guizhou Industry and Commerce Association.
The roundtable reviewed all of the major changes in China and policy initiatives in the country that have over the past five years been most beneficial to Chinese economic development.  It also discussed the challenges China still currently faces in a wide range of areas.  The MNC executives expressed their hope for a policy environment that can foster healthy, just, and sustainable development. All of their suggestions will be compiled into CCG’s policy advisory reports to be circulated among relevant high-level government ministries and departments to facilitate effective policymaking.