China Australia Business

Australia at 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.

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

Sep. 10, 2009 | Marketing