Speakers included Laurie Pearcy, General Manager of the Australia China Business Council. Here is his speech:

New Laws:
1. Supplementary provisions on the “Measures on the Administration of Foreign-invested Distribution Enterprises of Books,Newspapers and Journals

2. Business Licensing Requirements for Postal Courier (Express Post) Business Issued

3. Circular to strengthen the supervision and management of food additives

General News:
1. Road Link to Chongming District Shanghai Ready to Roll

2. Investment Rise Adds to Signs of Resurgence

Investment Zone Introduction:
Introduction of Wujiang Economic Development Zone

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1. Notice with respect to the supplementary provisions on the “Measures on the Administration of Foreign-invested Distribution Enterprises of Books, Newspapers and Journals

Authority: The Ministry of Commerce
Date of Promulgation: 20/08/2009
Effective Date: 01/10/2009

The Ministry of Commerce has issued a notice with respect to the supplementary provisions on the “Measures on the Administration of Foreign-invested Distribution Enterprises of Books, Newspapers and Journals”:

1. For Hong Kong and Macao service providers establishing enterprises to distribute publications in the mainland, their minimum registered capital shall be consistent with the requirements for domestic enterprises. The minimum registered capital has been lowered from RMB 5 million to RMB 2 million.

2. The Hong Kong and Macao service providers as mentioned in these provisions shall be respectively in line with the definition of “service providers” and relevant provisions as provided in the “Two Agreements”.

3. Other matters in the distribution of books, newspapers and journals invested in by Hong Kong and Macao service providers in the mainland shall still apply to the “Measures on the Administration of Foreign-invested Distribution Enterprises of Books, Newspapers and Journals”.

These provisions shall become effective from 1 October 2009.

2. Standards for the Examination and Verification of the Business Licensing Requirements for Postal Courier ( Express Post) Business

Issuing Authority: The State Post Bureau
Date of Promulgation: 30/09/2009
Effective Date: 30/09/2009

The State Post Bureau has recently published the Standards for the Examination and Verification of the Business Licensing Requirements for Express Post Business.

The Standards provide that enterprises which apply for a business license for express post business must meet the requirements for the legal body of an enterprise; enterprises which apply to operate within a province, an autonomous region or a municipality directly under the central government must have a registered capital of not less than RMB500,000, and those which apply to operate “ international express post” business must have a registered capital of not less than RMB2 million; each applicant must have a service capacity which is compatible with the territorial scope under its application and perfect risk control measures and fund settlement system, etc.

It is also provided that the administrative departments of postal services shall conduct the examination and verification of applications from the date of acceptance, and make the decision to approve or disapprove the application within 45 days.

3. Circular requiring nine authorities including local health departments (bureaus) to strengthen the supervision and management of food additives

Issuing Authority: The Ministry of Health
Date of Promulgation: 06/07/2009
Effective Date: 06/07/2009

The Ministry of Health (MOH) recently issued a circular requiring nine authorities including local health departments (bureaus) to strengthen the supervision and management of food additives, and revealed

that by the end of 2010, newly formulated (revised) standards for food additives would be announced.

The “Notice” provided that food additive manufacturers newly established after 1 June 2009 can engage in the production of food additives only after they obtained a permit for the production of industrial products in accordance with the law.

Those permits for food additive production or hygiene which were obtained before the implementation of the “Food Safety Law” would remain valid within the period of their validity.

Under the requirements as specified in the “Notice”, there must be clear, obvious, easy to distinguish and truthful labeling on the packaging of food additives for operation and use, which should indicate the words “food additive”. No food additive with a label or logo not in conformity with the “Food Safety Law” or the real object is not in line with the contents indicated in its label or instruction can be sold. Food sellers are not allowed to add any non-food substances or food additives in the food sales process

1. Road Link to Chongming District Shanghai Ready to Roll

Traffic will finally begin to flow on 31 October, 2009 over the long-awaited bridge and tunnel network linking Shanghai’s downtown with Chongming Island.

The new road connection will make life easier for the 700,000 people who live in Chongming County and for the countless downtown residents who visit for work and leisure.

It is also sure to spur further development in the county and, when another road link is completed to the north, enhance commerce between Shanghai and northern Jiangsu Province.

Officials announced that the Changjiang tunnel-bridge expressway complex, which cost nearly 12.6 billion yuan (US$1.85 billion) to build, will open to traffic on October 31.

The tunnel-bridge project, which goes by the Chinese name for the Yangtze River, links Chongming Island to the Pudong New Area via the sparsely populated Changxing Island over a 25.5-kilometer toll expressway.

With an 80 kilometer-per-hour speed limit inside the tunnel and a 100-kph limit on the cable-stay bridge, a car ride from Shanghai’s downtown to Chongming Island will take a little longer than an hour. In the past, travelers had to take ferries between the two points on trips that could last for more than two hours. And in bad weather when ferries were cancelled there was no connection at all.

Space has been left for a possible future extension of the city’s Metro Line 9 to the island, though a construction schedule has not yet been approved by national authorities.

The tunnel-bridge complex is also part of a broader plan to establish a fast traffic connection between Shanghai and the northern part of neighboring Jiangsu Province in an effort to boost commercial ties.

An expressway is now being built to connect Chongming Island to Qidong, a Jiangsu city. It is expected to be finished in two years.

2. Investment Rise Adds to Signs of Resurgence

Foreign investment in China rose in September for the second straight month-fresh evidence that overseas investors are betting on the country’s economic recovery.

Foreign direct investment expanded 18.9 percent from a year earlier to US$ 7.9 billion last month, the Ministry of Commerce said on 15 October. It followed a turnaround in August, when foreign investment rose 7 percent to post the first increase in 11 months.

“Market sentiment strengthened alongside growing evidence of China’s economic improvement,” said commerce ministry spokesman Yao Jian. “More overseas enterprises are expected to join in the development of China against the backdrop.”

Investment Zone Introduction:
Introduction of Wujiang Economic Development Zone
Location:
1). 9km to Suzhou downtown
2). 80km to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
3). 125km to Pudong International Airport
Competitive Workshop Purchase Price and Rental:
1). Standard Workshop Purchase Price: RMB 1,000 per square meters
2). Standard Workshop Rental: RMB 12/ month/ square meters

Distinctive Parks and Zones in Wujiang Economic Development Zone
1).Wujiang Export Processing Zone
2).Processing Trade Networking Supervision District
3). Japanese-Invested Industrial Park
4).Korea-Invested Industrial Park
5).Germany-Invested Industrial Park

Pillar Industries:
1). Electronics Information
2). Micro-electronics Technology
3).Machinery Manufacture
4).Automobile Parts
5).type Material
6).logical Engineering Technology

Mme. Li Yanduan, Vice Consul General, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China, Sydney

The scale of inward investment from China has aroused some suspicion in Australia during 2009. however, as China’s Vice Consul General in Sydney, mme. Li Yanduan writes, Australia has nothing to fear from a country committed to a long-term and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.

We live in an era of globalisation, where nations enjoy an unprecedented level of interconnectedness. This is particularly true for China and Australia.

For example, when American consumer demand for clothing dropped last year, Chinese garment factories received reduced orders and so cut imports of wool from Australia. An ordinary white-collar resident of New York City, a worker in a coastal Chinese factory and an Australian shearer were suddenly – and painfully – connected. Because we are all in the same boat, we must focus on cooperation as well as competition in the market economy. Cooperation is not only possible, it is necessary.

Complementary strengths

Not only are China and Australia two of the major Asia-Pacific economies, but their economic strengths are very much complementary. Australia is one of the most reliable sources in the world for its abundant natural resources, advanced technologies and prosperous service sectors. China’s development needs Australia.

At the same time, China is a key buyer of Australian exports; not only of metals and minerals, but also of green economic products such as tourism and education. Thus, Australia also needs China, especially with the threat of global economic recession. The necessity of cooperation between us is undeniable.

In the context of Chinese mining investment in Australia, Chinese companies are seeking reliable long-term supplies of energy and resources. This is purely a commercial interest.

Recently, facing the reality of diminished funds and investments, many Australian mining companies – including, for a time, the giant Rio Tinto – turned to Chinese companies in search of opportunities for cooperation. This was a reasonable option for both parties. But for Australia, where could Chinese companies find such a reliable source of materials? And but for China, where could Australian companies find such a large source of funds? The relationship is one of mutual needs and mutual benefits.

Australian suspicion

Nevertheless, many Australians are suspicious of Chinese investments. They are concerned that China’s investments are too big, and speculate that China is seeking to gain control of resource prices. There are many reasons why these worries are unnecessary.

First of all, Chinese investment in Australia is only in the early stages of its development. Rather than being too much, investment is actually too little considering our strong trade partnership. In 2008, only 300 Chinese companies directly invested in Australia, and the aggregate of these investments was just US$3 billion: less than 1% of total foreign investment in Australia. As Australia’s biggest trading partner and the purchaser of one fifth of Australian exports, China’s level of investment does not match the current state of our economic and trade relationship.

Secondly, the fact is that just like their Australian counterparts, Chinese companies are simply seeking profits. Controlling the prices of resources, or manipulating Australia’s mining sector, is far beyond the scope of reality. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, by the end of 2007, the United States was the biggest foreign investor in Australia with US$446 billion, and Japan’s investments stood at some US$58 billion. While China’s investments add up to a mere US$6.2 billion, it is difficult to imagine how China could possibly seize so-called ‘control’. Even if Chinalco’s bid to Rio Tinto had been approved, its share would only have been 18%.

So despite the fact that some people insist that Chinese companies intend to influence international market prices, in reality this is far beyond their capacity.

China’s long-term commitment

Thirdly, Australia’s economy and its people are benefiting from existing Chinese investments, which are paying taxes, providing employment and fostering harmonious relationships with local communities.

For example, Yancoal Limited, a Chinese coal mining company located in the Hunter Valley, employs nearly 200 Australian workers. Despite a drastic decline in profits over the last year due to the financial crisis, its Chinese management decided not to dismiss any employees. This is a good example of China’s commitment to long-term cooperation.

Moreover, following the Victorian bushfire devastation, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Australia immediately donated more than A$130,000 to the Red Cross. Only protectionists could see such investments as a ‘threat’.

Chinalco’s former President Xiao Yaqing and Rio Tinto Chairman Paul Skinner announce the strategic partnership between the two companies on February 12, 2009

Mutual understanding and trust

In contrast, Australia’s experiences of investing in China have been much smoother. Australia is one of China’s main sources of foreign investment. To date, China has cumulatively approved 8,954 Australian investment projects with a total value of US$5.82 billion. Most of these projects are making good progress, and more and more Australian companies are being attracted to China.

For instance: Telstra recently acquired a 51% stake in China’s leading real estate website; BlueScope has established a steel company in China with US$430 million of investment; Sino Gold stands as the top foreign-funded gold explorer in China; and ANZ Bank is planning to open 20 new branches in China. Almost all Australian banks have operations in China, while only two Chinese banks are licensed in Australia. So much for bilateral investments.

However, despite any differences and challenges, we can also foresee a brilliant future for business relations between our two countries. We have long enjoyed excellent trading ties, technical cooperation and cultural exchanges. More importantly, the bilateral relationship has been enhanced by the vital role of peopleto- people links, which greatly promote mutual understanding and trust. I believe that as our business relationships embrace continued development, both of our countries stand to benefit a great deal.

This article is an edited transcript of a speech delivered to the Australia China Business Council in May 2009.

Commonwealth Bank, corporate patron and event sponsor, kicking off the ‘Rugby Sevens’ lunch

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macau (AustCham) was formed in 1987 to facilitate business development and networking opportunities for its members. It now represents the largest Australian business community outside Australia and the second largest international chamber in Hong Kong. This reflects the growing strength of Australian business in greater China.

Over the past 22 years AustCham has grown to include more than 1,100 corporate members and now represents more than 650 Australian and local companies and a community of about 55,000. In 2006, AustCham established the Chamber in the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR), where there are over 2,000 Australians living and working, as well as significant Australian business interests.

Silver medallist Sally McLellan joins Australian Consul General Les Luck and AustCham Board Director Con Korfiatis at an Olympic Launch BBQ

Diverse membership

AustCham’s members are senior representatives of major Australian companies in Hong Kong and Macau that form a cross-section of local and international businesses and Australian executives in other companies. Members come from a range of major industries, including banking, legal, accounting, IT and financial services, construction and infrastructure, hospitality, tourism, trading and manufacturing. AustCham member companies employ over 200,000 people in Hong Kong, which equates to 6.2% of the workforce.

Dynamic opportunities

The Chamber maintains a full schedule of events that are designed to keep its members informed of developments in their fields of interest and to provide them with opportunities to meet with other business people and to promote their products and services. AustCham also produces a monthly magazine, Austcham News, and an annual directory titled Australian Business in Hong Kong, Macau and South China.

AustCham’s dynamic committee system has more than 150 volunteers who meet monthly to arrange events and industry updates and to discuss relevant issues within their industry or business area. Over 15% of the total membership of the group is actively involved in one of its several committees: Construction, Property and Infrastructure; Financial, Legal and Tax; Human Resources; Media and Marketing; Sustainable Development; Technology; and the AustCham Young Executives Group.

Aust. Community Ball, Macau: Mario & Andrea Natoli (event sponsor, ‘City of Dreams’) join AustCham Chairman Clement Chan & wife Elsa, left

International player

AustCham represents the views and interests of its members to government departments and other organisations in Hong Kong, China and Australia. The Chamber is an active member of the International Business Committee (IBC), which comprises leaders of the major international chambers of commerce and business organisations who meet regularly with the Chief Secretary and other senior Hong Kong Government officials.

AustCham is also a member of InterCham, an informal group of leaders from all 27 international chambers of commerce and business organisations in Hong Kong. The group acts as the Secretariat of the InterCham PRD Committee, which organises the group’s events on a range of topics within the Greater Pearl River Delta.

AustCham instigated and continues to host informal gatherings of the heads of the Sustainable Development or Environmental Committees from these international Chambers. Its purpose is to provide support and information to IBC members on these issues and to support the Hong Kong Government in its efforts to improve pollution outcomes in the Delta.

The Chamber is also an active member of the Support Australia Group, which exists under the auspices of the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong, meets regularly on a bi-monthly basis and comprises eleven Hong Kong based Australian organisations.

Australia-China Business Awards winners: excellence, entrepreneurial skill and innovation for sustainable development

Awarding Australian

business AustCham also organises the Australia- China Business Awards Program for greater China. The program aims to promote, recognise and reward Australian companies and local companies supporting Australian goods or services that have shown excellence, entrepreneurial skill and innovation, and have engaged in sustainable development practices in greater China. This year marks the 18th anniversary of the awards program.

Email: austcham@austcham.com.hk

Website: www.austcham.com.hk

Australian Commissioner General for Shanghai World Expo 2010, Mr Peter Tesch, and AustCham Shanghai Chair, Mr Stephen White, signing an MoU for the Shanghai World Expo 2010

AustCham Shanghai is the peak Australia-China business organisation located in China’s developed East Coast and Yangtze River Delta commercial region. Established in 1994, AustCham Shanghai has over 300 corporate members registered in the People’s Republic of China. AustCham Shanghai also offers a range of associate memberships.

As an independent voluntary business organisation founded and maintained by its membership, AustCham Shanghai supports its members in creating and adding value in all their enterprises.

AustCham Shanghai’s mission is to strengthen Australia-China business, as well as government and community relationships, and to promote Australia as a creative and reliable provider of innovative, high-quality business solutions. The Chamber effectively promotes a positive and successful image of Australia- China business, which broadly benefits all relevant interests and strongly supports membership.

Membership advantages

AustCham Shanghai offers members highly relevant benefits, including cost-effective networking and business promotions opportunities, specialised industry working groups, consular briefings and lobbying access on key issues – particularly Australia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) feasibility issues. Qualified member companies have access to the privileged fast-track business visa services for Chinese citizens to Australia and New Zealand.

AustCham Shanghai delivers a strong, unique community outreach program with the cooperation of member businesses, and operates a full-time professionally staffed Secretariat office with bilingual staff support in English and Chinese language and an active website and database.

Ready for EXPO

AustCham Shanghai will be the lead Australia-China business organisation in Shanghai supporting Australia’s representation at Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Following the informal collaboration that has taken place since 2007, DFAT and AustCham Shanghai have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) undertaking to work together to advance mutual interests in Australia’s participation in the Shanghai World Expo 2010. This cooperation will take place both in the lead-up to and during Expo 2010, providing members with unique access to Shanghai World Expo 2010 and the Australian Pavilion.

Informative events

Three themes give focus and structure to this year’s regular informative events program:

• Beyond 2009 (addresses major future challenges and new business opportunities);
• Building Careers, Building Business (emphasis on people and enterprise success); and
• Busy City, Busy Life (emphasis on workplace/life wellbeing).

Industry Working Groups (IWG) include Construction & Property, Education & Training, Transport & Logistics, Small Business, and Expo (World Expo Shanghai 2010). IWG groups assist members in developing and networking mutual business interests through informative seminars, workshops, site visits and social mixers.

Each week throughout the year a choice of events provides information and recreation for thousands of attendees. The diverse backgrounds of participants enhance professional and social networking. Visitors are welcome at many events, so check the AustCham Shanghai website for further information.

Government and corporate support From its foundation, AustCham Shanghai has had generous sponsorship and support from the leading corporates in Australia-China business. Although independent, AustCham Shanghai enjoys strong relationships with all levels of Australian government and Australian government representatives in China, and with Chinese government officials, particularly in the Shanghai municipality and neighbouring provinces.

AustCham Shanghai Foundation Members with Trade Minister Simon Crean at the 15th Anniversary Gala Dinner, May 2009

Community outreach

As a non-profit organisation, AustCham Shanghai donates a substantial amount to community Outreach programs in China every year. Funds are raised through events and regular raffles, leading to the donation of over RMB 2 million to charities like Gift of Life, LifeLine Shanghai and Heart to Heart.

AustCham Shanghai’s largest fundraiser is the Great Australian Ball, an annual event which last year raised over RMB 480,000. The popularity of these events has enabled AustCham Shanghai to contribute to projects including: the refurbishment of Wuzhong Mental Hospital and Jinshan Elderly Peoples Residence; the Australian led Baoji Xinxing ‘Aid for Street Kids’ earthquake relief program; reequipping of the earthquake damaged Sangzao No.1 Primary School; and aid for 35 low-income families in the Shanghai region.

Bilateral business expertise

AustCham Shanghai businesses established in China understand the local market, while maintaining strong links with their Australian headquarters, business networks and Australian counterpart offices. This two-way ‘dual country strength’ is the clear advantage other businesses can access through AustCham Shanghai corporate membership, networking, services and products.

AustCham Shanghai membership companies have invested in long-term commitments to establish effective, competitive business in China. When you contact an AustCham Shanghai member company, you get further real advantage from dealing with people that are deeply experienced in both Australian and Chinese markets. These companies are alert and prepared to deal with issues, challenges and changes in both the bilateral and regional environments.

AustCham Shanghai leads you to great businesses with a homeground advantage in both Australia and China who drive their own success and that of others.

Suite 6709, Apollo Building 1440 Yan’An Middle Road Shanghai 200040, PR CHINA Ph: +86 (0) 21 6248 8301 Fax: +86 (0) 21 6248 5580

Email: admin@austchamshanghai.com

Website: www.austchamshanghai.com

La Trobe is an internationally recognised university with strong research, teaching and student exchange networks across more than 40 countries including an enviable tradition of strong affiliations within China.  La Trobe also proudly serves as a leading member of the International Network of Universities. Over 118,000 students have graduated from La Trobe University and these graduates have progressed to achieve great things in many walks of life reflecting La Trobe’s remarkable history of academic innovation.

The Melbourne (Bundoora) campus is the largest of La Trobe University’s campuses and is situated 14 kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre. One of the biggest and most attractive university campuses in Australia, the campus covers 330 hectares of beautiful parkland with its own waterways, which are home to countless breeds of native birds, animals and plants, and even has its own on-campus Australian wildlife sanctuary.  More than 18 000 students are currently studying at the Melbourne campus and it provides a diverse range of resources and facilities, including student accommodation and student support services, sports facilities, cinema, restaurants and cafes, banks, gift shops and even a post office!

Faculty of Health Sciences

The Faculty of Health Sciences is one of Australia’s foremost providers of health science education with a long and distinguished history in the education of health professionals. The Faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate education across a variety of disciplines, including nursing and midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, social work, public health and the human biosciences.

This diversity of disciplines within the Faculty of Health Sciences provides staff and students a most wonderful opportunity to work together across disciplines to create an informed and empowered team of internationally recognised health care professionals who are able to work effectively in multidisciplinary health care settings.

The Division of Nursing and Midwifery

The Division has a long and well regarded history as Australia’s oldest tertiary Division of Nursing. The Division‘s origins as a provider of high level nursing education extend back to 1948 as the College of Nursing, Australia. This extensive history has enabled the Division to enjoy a wide range of international links and to establish a tradition of innovation, excellence and dynamism in nursing research and nursing education.

Our mission is to develop new graduates, who are professional, caring and competent in contemporary nursing and midwifery practice. We encourage students to be curious and to appreciate the importance of learning and careful systematic inquiry and evaluation throughout their careers, to ensure patient care meets best practice standards, locally and internationally.

Nursing and Midwifery are global occupations and the Division’s large metropolitan and regional focus is underpinned by a curriculum that addresses the national and international contexts.  In 2009 67 Chinese international students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus alone.

The Division has a number of clinical schools, affiliated with large metropolitan teaching hospitals. These, together with a broad range of community and mental health care settings, ensure students gain an enviable depth of clinical experiences, necessary for competent clinical care across a variety of health care environments.

Studying Nursing and Midwifery

The Division of Nursing and Midwifery offers both undergraduate and postgraduate award courses and a variety of short non-award courses for clinicians in practice.  All our courses are developed by academic and clinical experts to ensure they are theoretically sound, clinically relevant and meet best practice standards.

The Division’s three-year Bachelor of Nursing course offers advanced standing entry for those with international qualifications.  We offer a large range of Master level courses, designed around three core areas: a clinical pathway; a professional or teaching and learning pathway; and a research pathway.  Nurse-practitioner courses and PhD programs are also available.  The Initial Registration for Overseas Nurses course, which allows suitably qualified international nurses to undertake a short, non-award course, necessary to work as a nurse in Victoria, will commence in January 2010.

The Division is a leader in nursing and midwifery research, with research focused on the care of the older person, cancer and palliative care, community and mental health nursing, midwifery and women’s health, and acute nursing care.

The Division of Nursing, within the Faculty of Health Sciences, at La Trobe University offers you high quality courses, stunning campus environments and infinite possibilities to succeed.  Please feel welcome to explore our website http://www.latrobe.edu.au/nursing and contact us at international@latrobe.edu.au or telephone (+61 3) 9627 4805 with any questions you may have concerning your future at La Trobe University.