In achieving Benchmarked Bronze Status, by using the Earthcheck tool, the Regent Beijing is committed to benchmarking its energy and water consumption, total waste production and community commitment; along with implementing an integrated environmental and social policy.

In particular the Regent Beijing has achieved Best Practice results on water saving, waste disposal, paper, cleaning and pesticide products. These measures will ensure efficient practices and large cost savings, ensuring the Regent Beijing is on the path to securing a sustainable future for the environment.

About Green Globe
The Green Globe program as managed by EC3 Global is a worldwide Benchmarking, Certification and performance improvement system assisting the travel and tourism industry to attain sustainability. Green Globe with Earthcheck science inside provides a certification system that responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management.

The Green Globe brand is used under licence from Green Globe Limited and Green Globe International, Inc.

About The Regent Beijing
The Regent Beijing is centrally located in the heart of the business district and cultural centre of the city. This 500-room hotel offers an exclusive sanctuary that blends contemporary style with the charm of historic China.

With the interior design by world-renowned company Hirsch Bedner Associates. The hotel offers excellent accommodation and a choice of award wining restaurants and bars. Selected rooms enjoy panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

The Regent Beijing is within walking distance of landmark shopping and tourist destinations such as Wangfujing walking street, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

For more information, please visit www.regenthotels.com/beijingcn

CONTACT INFORMATION

• The Regent Beijing
  Kelly Xu, Marketing and Communications Manager
  Tel: +86 10 8522 1888-5650
  kxu@regentbeijing.com
  

The Asian Institute of Management Ramon V. del Rosario Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (AIM-RVR Center), principal host of the conference, is returning to Kuala Lumpur after six years. The last time it was held in Kuala Lumpur was in 2004.

Recognized as being the largest and most significant conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Asia, the 2009 conference recently concluded in Manila with 494 delegates. 473 delegates attended in Singapore in 2008, and 550 delegates attended in Ho Chi Minh City in 2007. For this year, over 400 business executives and other CSR stakeholders from more than 30 countries are expected to attend the conference in Kuala Lumpur.

The AFCSR in Kuala Lumpur aims to highlight innovative programs and best practices in CSR by corporations operating in Asia and to promote CSR as a key strategy in addressing social needs and concerns; to showcase corporate innovation in CSR in Asia and among Asian firms; to promote new thinking and standards on CSR as a strategy; and to build a network of CSR practitioners across Asia. The event is extremely well-supported and attended not only by senior business executives from Asia, but also by major NGOs throughout the Asian region.

The 2010 Asian Forum is co-presented by the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and Intel as Strategic Partners.

The event co-chairmen are Mr. Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. AIM Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (AIM-RVR Center); Ybhg. Tun Dato' Seri (Dr.) Ahmad Sarji Bin Abdul Hamid, Chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad; and Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Lin See Yan, Chairman/CEO of LIN Associates Sdn Bhd.

AFCSR's notable partners include: ActionAid International Vietnam, ASEAN Foundation; Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium; Asia Society; Baltic Management Development Association (BMDA); Business Ethics Institute of Malaysia (BEIM); Business in the Community-UK; Center for Development and Integration – Vietnam; Center for International Business Ethics (CIBE) – China; Centre for Social Markets – India; Chinese Federation for Corporate Social Responsibility (CFCSR); Community Business – Hong Kong; Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Council for Better Corporate Citizenship – Japan; CSR Europe EFMD; Euro-China Centre for Leadership and Responsibility at China-Europe, International Business School (ECCLAR at CEIBS), Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI); Habitat for Humanity International; Indonesia Business Links; International Business Leaders Forum; Kenan Institute Asia; League of Corporate Foundations – Philippines; Makati Business Club; Management Association of the Philippines; Management Institute for Social Change – Malaysia; National Center for Sustainability Reporting – Indonesia; Pacific Asian Consortium for International Business Education and Research; Philippine Business for Social Progress; Population and Community Development Association of Thailand; PPM Institute of Management – Indonesia; Responsible Business Initiative – Pakistan; Singapore Compact for CSR; and Women in Sustainability Action (WISA).

For additional information on AFCSR, please visit the AFCSR website at www.asianforumcsr.com for conference updates.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Vianca Bocalan
  Exedra Events
  Tel: (632) 812-6289
  Fax: (632) 819-3752
  viancabocalan@exedraevents.com
  www.asianforumcsr.com

Beijing, China (July 16, 2010) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — Research in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has shown that the application of foamed bitumen cold recycling technology using equipment supplied by Germany-headquartered Wirtgen China can make major savings in heating energy, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a very high utility ratio for recycled materials.

Laboratory tests and practical experience of outdoor paving on trial road sections led the Hangzhou Highway Administrative Bureau to apply foamed bitumen cold recycling technology to overhaul projects on 32 national and provincial roads. Statistics from the bureau show that on 249 kilometers of road 480,000 tons of bitumen wastes had been recycled with a 90% utility ratio. Compared to conventional hot bitumen technology the construction period was reduced by 20%; the heating energy required was reduced by 60%; and carbon emissions were reduced by 80%.

Commenting on the statistics from the Hangzhou Highway Administrative Bureau experts from the Emission Reduction Department of China's Ministry of Communications upheld the results. The experts stated that foamed bitumen cold recycling technology will make full use of old materials, reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve pavement performance and shorten the construction period. They added that practical experience shows that foamed bitumen cold recycling is a mature technology, with good pavement performance, giving energy savings and lower costs.

The experts went on to recommend that foamed asphalt cold recycling technology can be applied to highways, first grade roads, second grade roads and other grades of road overhaul and maintenance projects. The expert's report concluded that the foamed bitumen cold recycling design and construction technical specification drawn up by Zhejiang province (DB33 / T 715-2008) can serve as a reference standard for the promotion of foamed bitumen cold recycling technology in China's national transportation industry.

About the Wirtgen Group
The Wirtgen Group is an internationally operating group of companies in the construction machinery sector incorporating four traditional brands: Wirtgen, Vogele, Hamm, and Kleemann. As a technological leader, they offer their customers mobile machine solutions for road construction and road rehabilitation, as well as for mining and processing minerals.

The Wirtgen Group has been present in China for more than 20 years and, since 2004, has operated an assembly factory in Langfang, Hebei Province. With more than nine branches and 200 employees, Wirtgen China are always close to their customers.

For more information: www.wirtgen-china.com.cn

Shanghai, China (April 15, 2010) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — Spend time at the Eco Design Fair Spring 2010 to source the latest lifestyle items that are well-designed, sustainable, organic, natural, non-toxic, recycled, ethical, energy-saving, and environmentally aware products. Also look out for our special ecoFresh Foods Market, ecoBuild Innovations and Fair Trade Market vendors.

Offering solution-based activities for the people of all ages and backgrounds, this event is free of charge for visitors to source the latest in eco lifestyle products, to learn about sustainable living, while shopping and feasting at the market.

Highlights include: Rolling in Style ecoFashion Show, on Saturday at 11:30am, to present a selection of eco designers and brands from China that inspire urban cyclists to bike in style; interactive ecoAction Workshops, in conjunction with Good to Shanghai, offered free of charge throughout the weekend to provide hands-on information and skills about sustainable living practices. Among the workshops include "How to Create your Own Compost" by Arc8x; "Insulating your Home" by GIGA, "Environmental Graphic Design Challenge" by SGTH, amongst many others; motivational Keynote Speakers from a variety of industries to provide inspiring environmental topics including Eco Cities, Recycling and Green Business Initiatives. Speakers include Adam Minter from Shanghai Scrap; Lynne King from Sage Vision; Professor Tao Kang Hua from the Shanghai College Green Volunteer Group; and global transporation company, TNT; ecoKids Corner to hold a variety of fun eco activities for youths and their parents, with Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), YK Pao School, CharyoU Organization, Little Red Design & other Shanghai schools taking part; Coolqi Bike Ride, organized by Good to Shanghai, on Sunday afternoon to highlight eco transport options in Shanghai; an official Opening Ceremony to kick off our evening events on Saturday, April 17 at 4:30pm, with planting of commemorative trees by our special guests, organizers and sponsors. Invited guests and press members at the Green Cocktail Party will enjoy fresh tapas and organic wine while watching an eco fashion show presented by students from the Raffles Design Institute.

Leading up to the weekend activities, EDF will join forces with Green Drinks and GIGA Talks to offer events at the BAU International Lounge (Lane 1252 FuXing Middle Rd, 4F) on April 14th and 15th, respectively. Open to all, these evenings provide interesting speakers and a great place to meet and socialize with like-minded individuals.

Eco Design Fair works hard to meet its low carbon goal by providing recycling stations, bike valet parking, and offering energy credits to a wind power project in Fujian, China, through Seal Carbon, to offset all attendee travel.

Net proceeds from the Eco Design Fair Spring 2010 will again benefit Roots & Shoots Shanghai and their Million Tree Project in Ku Lun Qi, Tong Liao municipality in Inner Mongolia. The proceeds from previous events have resulted in donating over 370 trees to this project.

For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, and fringe activities listing, please visit www.ecodesignfair.cn.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Sherry Poon
  Tel: +86 13162441598

  Danielle Huang (Chinese press)
  Tel: +86 13651935012
  Email: nihao@ecodesignfair.cn

Shanghai, China (March 10, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — With continued popularity, the Eco Design Fair Spring 2010 has expanded to a new sustainable venue and will offer a full weekend of free, solution-based, interactive events designed to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about eco design, eco product choices, natural health, green building, social responsibility, and local economies.

Apart from a comprehensive vendor exhibition of the latest green design and lifestyle products and services available in China, enjoy the fresh organic foods market, live entertainment, fashion shows, student exhibition, eco bike rides, and kids' activities on offer for both days.

The Eco Design Fair is also a place for urban residents to learn about green design, reducing their carbon footprint, lowering energy costs and curbing waste and water consumption. Alongside prominent speakers and informal exchanges with eco-conscious designers and companies, the Eco Design Fair has partnered with GoodtoShanghai to provide informative, hands-on workshops presented by industry experts.

Eco Design Fair is committed to forging connections with others in the sustainability movement and has co-ordinated with other pro-active, eco-engaged organizations, including Green Drinks, GIGA Talk and Pecha Kucha Green, to hold evening events for April 14 to 16.

Net proceeds from the Eco Design Fair Spring 2010 will benefit Roots & Shoots Shanghai and their Million Tree Project in Ku Lun Qi, Tong Liao municipality in Inner Mongolia. The proceeds from previous events have resulted in donating over 370 trees to this project.

About Eco Design Fair
The Eco Design Fair emphasizes eco-responsible design products and designers, and draws national attention to Shanghai's unique intersection of art, commerce, and sustainability. Started in 2008, the Eco Design Fair is the first such initiative in the city to provide the community the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and be part of a growing eco-conscious movement in Shanghai.

Sherry Poon, owner of Wobabybasics, founded the Eco Design Fair in Spring of 2008. With a growing community interest in organic and healthy sustainable living, she saw a potential to bring together the companies in the industry and the community. Key sponsors and organizers now include a board of advisors from GIGA, Nest, Wobabybasics, LiveGreen, naked Retreats, Woigreen and Tandus.

The Eco Design Fair Spring 2010 venue is located at Jiashan Market, a rehabilitation of an abandoned factory into a residential and commercial complex. The project was initiated by Brearley Architects and Urbanists (BAU) and conducted as a green project to preserve the natural environment as well as the social and cultural life of the district. BAU office is a renowned place for environmentally sustainable design exchange in Shanghai where events are hosted weekly in a purpose built events space.

For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, and fringe activities listing, please visit www.ecodesignfair.cn.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Sherry Poon, founder of Eco Design Fair
  Tel: +86 13162441598
  Danielle Huang, Marketing
  Tel: +86 13651935012 (Chinese)
  Email: nihao@ecodesignfair.cn
  www.ecodesigfair.cn

In an aid to further understand the issues and latest developments within the OSS/BSS space in Asia Pacific, Frost & Sullivan along with Stratecast, is organising the 4th Annual OSS/BSS Asia Pacific Summit (http://www.frost-oss.com/). The summit is scheduled to be held from March 24 – 25, 2010 at Resorts World Convention Centre, Sentosa, Singapore.

Prominent industry thought leaders, along with Frost & Sullivan and Stratecast analysts, will convene to discuss multiple business and operations issues facing CSPs today. Conference sessions will feature case studies involving operators from several countries. The conference will also discuss what the industry still needs to meet the demands of market change in this unprecedented era of business evolution.

Structured to look into the essential OSS/BSS functions and business processes, the summit will discuss implications of new business models, importance of convergent charging, and show why policy management with real-time charging can provide customer control and better match-up of service plans to network capacity. Sessions will also address customer service assurance issues through customer case studies, why data security is more important now than ever before, and bring forward the continued importance of managed services relative to the new service environment.

"User device evolution and network infrastructure improvements continue to be two very critical business drivers in the changing customer services landscape. Enabled by these advances, service offers with real-time components and interactive user control is quickly becoming the norm," said Karl Whitelock, Stratecast senior consulting analyst OSS/BSS global competitive strategies. Karl further adds that market differentiation comes to organizations that can align the necessary OSS and BSS functions to meet today's changing market dynamics.

A noteworthy highlight at the summit will be the keynote address by Malcolm Rodrigues, General Manager for Nucleus Connect, who will share the progressto- date regarding Singapore's Next Gen National Broadband Network (NBN) Business Model, since its appointment by the Singapore Infocomm Development Authority (IDA).

Alongside these highly relevant issues, the Frost & Sullivan – Stratecast OSS BSS analyst team will share their perspective and insights on the conference's main subjects and provide an interactive audience participation workshop held in the afternoon of Thursday, March 25, 2010. This will be available to all attendees as part of the regular conference registration.

Join speakers from Oracle Communications, Reliance Communications, Telekom Malaysia, Telecom Fiji, Clarity, Amdocs, Guardium, TRUE Internet, Accanto Systems, Volubill and senior Frost & Sullivan/Stratecast analysts as they share their success and challenges and provide perspective on some of the most critical business and operations issues faced by the industry at large.

All attending delegates will receive a complimentary copy of the 2010 Stratecast/Telecom Asia magazine survey results.

Oracle Communications is the strategic sponsor for the summit while, Clarity and Tech Mahindra are the gold sponsors. INTEC and Nuance are the breakfast briefing sponsors and Accanto Systems, Amdocs, Fujitsu, Guardium, and Volubill are the partner sponsors. Exhibitors at the summit are AranTech, Fastwire, and VOIPFUTURE.

The official newswire is PR Newswire. Official TV Partner is The Telecom Channel, official publications are Billing & OSS, Telecom Asia and Wireless Asia. Media partners for the summit include BillingViews, China Newswire, China Tech News, GreenChinaTech, Developing Telecoms, TelecomWatch and OSS News Review. Global Revenue Assurance Professional Association (GRAPA) is the supporting association for this summit.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

About Stratecast
Stratecast assists clients in achieving their growth objectives by providing critical, objective and accurate strategic insight on the global communications industry. As a division of Frost & Sullivan, Stratecast's strategic consulting and analysis services complement Frost & Sullivan's Market Engineering and Growth Partnership services. Stratecast's product line includes subscription-based recurring analysis programs focused on Business Communication Services (BCS), Consumer Communication Services (CCS), Communications Infrastructure and Convergence (CIC), OSS and BSS Global Competitive Strategies (OSSCS), and our weekly opinion editorial, Stratecast Perspectives and Insight for Executives (SPIE). Custom consulting engagements are also available.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• MEDIA CONTACTS:
  Surbhi Dedhia
  Corporate Communications
  Phone: +65.6890.0926
  E-mail: surbhi.dedhia@frost.com

  Neethiya Sadagopal
  Corporate Communications
  P: +65.6890.0966
  E-mail: neethiya.sadagopal@frost.com

The Clean Development Mechanism is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol allowing industrialized countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment to invest in ventures that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to more expensive emission reductions in their own countries. The Copenhagen Accord confirms the continuity of CDM scheme, yet many issues like CDM reformation are left unanswered. The whole industry awaits another chance to digest the Accord and discuss about the future strategy.

The summit features high-profile speakers, insightful contents and senior government officials from China and around the world. In a word, this is an important and strategic summit instead of a trading-oriented conference.

Key countries involved in CDM market will send senior representatives to the summit to share their views and experiences. In particular, Ms. Yoshiko Kijima, the Senior Negotiator for Climate Change, Foreign Affairs Ministry of Japan, will take a strategic perspective to elaborate the future of climate change negotiations and Japan's position.

For more information, you may visit www.attention-global.com/carbon.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Contacts :
  Michael Lok
  Project Director
  Tel: +86 21 5290 9068
  Fax: +86 21 5290 9028
  Email: michael.lok@attention-global.com

Mr. Lv Xuedu, Deputy Director of China Meteorological Administration, said: "As China's largest and most professional carbon trade market summit, Carbon Trade China was successfully held twice and built a great networking platform. 3rd Carbon Trade China which will be held after COP 15 is very significant. I wish the 3rd summit will attract more delegates to discuss about next-step action after COP 15."

The summit will focus on these topics: The Impact of 2009 Copenhagen Meeting on Carbon Market; Carbon Market Policy from UNFCCC CDM EB; Carbon Emission Reductions Policy in European Union; China and USA after COP 15, CDM Project Development Potentials in New Areas like Building, Transport and Solar Energy; Carbon finance, CCS, and others.

More than 40 leading professionals from the carbon trading sector will deliver speeches on the Next-step Action after COP 15. Some of them come from UNFCCC EB, China Meteorological Administration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, European Climate Exchange, WWF, Hunan CDM Service Center, Industrial Bank, Longyuan Carbon Asset Management Technology Co., Ltd and Ningxia Antai New Resources Co., Ltd.

In addition, more than 20 Provincial CDM Service Centers; 250+ China's Local CDM owners and developers; 250+ International Credit Buyers; 100 delegates from other players in carbon market; and almost 600+ high level executives in the global carbon market will join this grand event.

For more information, please visit http://www.chinacarbontrade.com.cn/

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Contact: Fanny Wang
  Tel:+8621 5172 0126
  Email: marketing@jfpsgroup.com.cn
  Website: http://www.chinacarbontrade.com.cn/

Beijing, China (December 16, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — U-Tron (Beijing) Electronics Co. Ltd will be attending the 2009 China International Road Lamp Patio Lamp & Outdoor Lights Exhibition which is to be held in Beijing Agriculture Exhibition Center from 2009 December 16 to December 18, 2009.

U-Tron will be on stand A181 of the exhibition, and will be displaying new versions of its existing range of LED based lighting solutions. On display will be U-Tron's Lucus LED street lights, BatLED flood lights SoLED solar powered lights, UFO down-lighters, and LED Ranger stand-by lights. In addition U-Tron will also be displaying its Venus range of small down-lighters

U-Tron technical staff will be on hand throughout the exhibition to demonstrate how the company's LED-based products provide environmentally friendly solutions for a wide range of lighting requirements, with reduced energy requirements, a higher quality of illumination and a lower total cost of ownership.

To find out more about U-Tron's attendance at the 2009 China International Road Lamp Patio Lamp & Outdoor Lights Exhibition and for an invitation to the exhibition please call David or Chen Chen on: +86 (010) 6568 2990 or e-mail sales3@u-tron.com.

About U-Tron
U-Tron (Beijing) Electronics Co. Ltd., was established in 1992 as a WOFE in Beijing, China. The company was 100% funded by investments from an American Company, China Business Associates. The main purpose was to bring U.S. developed technology products to China for manufacturing and localization. U-Tron has an 1,800 square meter factory employing 50 + people in the Beijing Development Area (BDA) of Yi Zhuang district.
Website: www.u-tron.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

• For more information contact:
  Raja Magasweran e-mail raja@u-tron.com
  For more information about the 2009 China International Road Lamp Patio Lamp & Outdoor Lights Exhibition please visit http://www.roadlampexpo.com/index.html

Shanghai, China (December 07, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — IGVision's Green Fuels & Vehicles China 2010 is set to take place in Shanghai, China, on April 8-9, 2010 and serve as a unique platform for the innovation and industrialization of alternative fueled vehicles.

This conference will focus on the alternative fuels and vehicles and green conventional auto industries will highlight updated policy and market outlooks; technical innovations; operational and management experiences of alternative fuels; hybrid vehicles; electric vehicles; battery and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; conventional autos; powertrains; engines and emission controls to enlighten the relevant industry participants with long-term technical and business insights, providing an unparalleled global networking platform.

This time, the high-profile event will consist of 200+ top professionals from global fuels and vehicles sector including government authorities, auto manufacturers, battery producers, fuel manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, environmental institutes, transportation institutes, engineering consulting companies, technical solution suppliers, equipment providers, software providers, investors, and accounting and legal firms.

Green Fuels & Vehicles China 2010 is a unique platform gathering 30+ eminent speakers & panelists in the industry; 25+ representative countries and regions; 25+ original equipment manufacturers; and a compelling project showcase.

The high-profile event will focus on the following issues: Examining the industrialization and commercialization of electric vehicles in China; the innovation of hybrid engine technology of utilizing advanced fuels and battery technologies; guidance for new energy giants to well cooperate with OEMs; the feasibility and challenges in building battery charging station in China; what role does advanced technical powertrain play in the alternative vehicles; what is the right path to accelerate battery industrialization to promote alternative vehicles; the Future market opportunities and challenges ofChina conventional auto industry.

More information is available at http://www.greenfuels-vehicles.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Contact: Ms, Rachel Yang
  Email: rachel.yang@igvision.com
  Tel: +86-21-5161 5339
  

Hong Kong, China (December 03, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — This December marks five years since the devastating tsunami of 2004 hit Southeast Asia, arguably the worst natural disaster of the century. The epicenter of the undersea quake was just 160km hundred miles off the coast of Indonesia and the resulting wave which hit thepeninsula of Aceh left more than 150,000 people dead with loss and damage estimated at more than 97% of Aceh's GDP.

Shortly after the disaster in 2005 a peace accord was signed ending protracted fighting in the province and over the last five years a remarkable outpouring of donor money, some $2-3b, has poured into Aceh in reconstruction and recovery efforts. With aid money now beginning to dry up, the most important question for Aceh is how it will sustain the dramatic economic recovery which in turn will ensure stability and prosperity after nearly 30 years of separatist strife.

This week as part of a new approach to solving difficult challenges of economic development, an international group of young corporate managers will travel to Aceh to propose improvements to the production and supply of one of the region's key commodities: Cocoa

This 13th Global Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is run by the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT), and facilitated in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Aceh Partnerships in Economic Development (APED). The approach taken by APED in guiding this cocoa project is a departure from conventional donor funded projects. The output is commercially oriented and aimed at creating a business enterprise that can be financially sustainable. Of the three main sectors where APED is focused–coffee, cocoa and rubber–the prospects for cocoa are particularly promising

Global demand for cocoa has been outstripping supply to the extent that prices reported this summer by Cadbury were up 30% over 2008. Unstable supply from the leading producer countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast and Indonesia has motivated buyers to not only secure cocoa beans early, but also invest in farmers to improve yields and quality. Furthermore, consumer demands for organic, fair trade and specialty products have driven exporters such as Armajaro, Olam and others to pay closer attention to traceability and supply chain operators.

All of these factors present key opportunities for Acehnese cocoa farmers, who collectively are currently producing yields and quality of beans that are dramatically below their potential.

The project is also an opportunity to think differently about the role of cocoa producers in the global supply chain for chocolate and how profits might be directed back to rural communities. Despite high end chocolate fetching upwards of $350/kg among affluent consumers, the average price paid to farmers in Indonesia currently can be as low as US$.25/kg.

YLP Programme Manager, Eric Stryson said, " For participants in Aceh, this is a lesson in global supply chains and the realities of serious imbalances along the way. By working on this real life project in Aceh, which has good potential to attract investment into the region, participants can begin to understand the complexities of business and reflect on their own processes of decision-making back in their own companies."

At the conclusion of the participants' work in Aceh, GIFT and APED have organized a business briefing session in Medan on Friday, 11th December which will bring together important stakeholders in the Acehnese Cocoa sector, including key supply chain and government operators, as well as potential investors in the new enterprise.

For cocoa producers and YLP participants alike the mutual learning that will occur in Aceh is certain to inspire new thinking and promising opportunities for the future.

GIFT is a social venture think tank which runs leadership development programmes applying business skills to social causes and linking investment to
commercial opportunities with social impact. The YLP is an immersive Executive Education programme originally launched as a commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative which uses a one of a kind approach to preparing corporate leaders for succeeding in a complex and changing world. Previous YLP projects have been based in China,India, Laos and Cambodia dealing with issues such as rural supply chains, sustainably produced forest products and scaling up of renewable energy distribution.

About GIFT: www.globalinstitutefortomorrow.com
GIFT is a social venture think tank that prepares future leaders of corporations, government and civil society to think differently about the role of
business in society and in so doing creates new investment opportunities for dynamic social enterprises in the region.

About UNDP Indonesia: http://www.undp.or.id/
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. Its mission is to be an agent for change to promote human development and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). UNDP Indonesia is working in four priority areas: Democratic Governance, MDG Monitoring and Advocacy, Crisis Prevention and Recovery, and Environmental Sustainability

About APED: www.aped-project.org
APED promotes economic development in Aceh by empowering the public-private partnerships associated with export clusters that enable government, the private sector, and other stakeholder to collaborate, source out opportunities and tackle limitations. The partnership's role is to generate ideas for increasing production, trade and marketing; to mobilize necessary material, financial and institutional resources; and to collaborate with other organizations to implement the plans and initiatives.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• For more information about GIFT and the Global Young Leaders Programme (YLP) please contact Eric Stryson, Programme Manager at +852 3571 8124 or via email at:estryson@global-inst.com

Said European Chamber President Joerg Wuttke, "Our study shows that the impact of overcapacity is subtle but far reaching, affecting dozens of industries and damaging economic growth not only in China but worldwide. Domestically, excess capacity squeezes profit margins, hampers innovation and prevents the emergence of true local champions, while on the global stage its influence is clearly seen in the rise in trade tensions between China and its major trading partners. This study, then, aims to offer solutions that will benefit not only Chinese companies and Chinese industry in general, but the whole global economic system. When China prospers, we all benefit."

The study concludes that overcapacity is a major factor holding back China's sustainable economic development and traces its impact as a driving force in economic resource waste, a rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) and environmental problems. The study further argues that excess capacity in certain sectors is holding back Chinese innovation by reducing company profits, meaning that less funding is made available for R&D. Moreover, as US and European savings rates rise and imports drop, the study findings show that overcapacity is one of the drivers of the current rise in trade tensions and anti-dumping cases between China and its trade partners.

Based on these findings, Overcapacity in China: Causes, Impacts and Recommendations concludes by offering a number of suggestions on how overcapacity can be curbed by shifting policy emphases and continuing to move away from an investment- and export-led growth model. The study's recommendations include:

1. Stimulating domestic consumption and ensuring that new investment is focused on "smart" investments rather than more investments;
2. Promoting the development of a vibrant services sector – which is less resource- and energy-intensive – by encouraging competition;
3. Encouraging market-driven consolidation in sectors suffering from overcapacity;
4. Reforming pricing mechanisms to create a more balanced cost system for capital, energy and resource inputs
5. Strengthen the authorities of Central government agencies like Ministry of Environmental Protection to implement national law and crack down on local protectionism

Said Charles-Edouard Bouee, President of Asia, President & Managing Partner of Greater China, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants: "Industrial overcapacity has a strong impact on companies at every stage of the supply chain and on end users. As demand for China's exports has plummeted in the US and Europe and fixed asset investment has risen sharply in some sectors, the problem of overcapacity has been amplified. For this reason, we believe that this study is a timely and valuable addition to the ongoing discussion about the future direction of China's economic growth."

The full study is available for download at the European Chamber website – please visit www.europeanchamber.com.cn/overcapacitystudy for details.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• For further information, please contact:
  Grace Yao, Press Officer
  European Union Chamber of Commerce in China
  Phone: +86 (0)10 6462 2066 – 30
  Mobile: +86 1367 1168 084
  E-mail: gyao@euccc.com.cn

San An Technology is about to implement a pilot project on a street in South China, combining its control technology with 40 units of U-Tron Lucus LED street lights to demonstrate the effectiveness of the companies' joint solution prior to installing the system extensively across China.

When signing the contract Raja Magasweran, the managing director of U-Tron commented, "This is a major step for energy conservation in China. The combination of San An Technology's systems, which ensure optimum light levels at all times, with our LED technology will enable the two companies to offer the very best turnkey solutions for street lighting in China." He added, "I am looking forward to future meetings with China's city governments as we demonstrate the effectiveness of our joint solutions.

About U-Tron
U-Tron (Beijing) Electronics Co. Ltd., was established in 1992 as a WOFE in Beijing, China. The company was 100% funded by investments from an American Company, China Business Associates. The main purpose was to bring U.S. developed technology products to China for manufacturing and localization. Today U-Tron has 1,000 square meters of office space in the Central Business District of Beijing and an 1,800 square meter factory employing 50 + people in the Beijing Development Area (BDA) of Yi Zhuang district.
Website: www.u-tron.com
For more information contact:
Raja Magasweran (China Toll Free #) 400-262-1806 or e-mail raja@u-tron.com

About San An Technology Ltd.
San An Technology Ltd. is a company based in Liaoning in northeastern China that focuses on technology for controlling outdoor lighting. Currently San An Technology has a market share of approximately 80% of their focus market.
Website: www.sajs.com

The highlight of this solution-driven event is a talk at 12:00 p.m. given by Richard Brubaker about what sustainability means to him. With almost 15 years of Asia experience, Brubaker is currently involved with Hands On Shanghai, Crossroads, the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, and China Europe International Business School.

The ecoAction Roundtables start at 1:00 p.m. and are set up to allow the general public, students, designers, and professionals to meet and discuss sub-focus topics with like-minded businesses and organizations within that topic area. Sessions by GIGA, Shanghai Roots & Shoots, Clownfish Marketing, and Shokay are scheduled to highlight current issues in Shanghai and to discuss best practices and solutions in fields such as sustainable design, environmental protection, sustainable marketing, CSR, and responsible manufacturing.

Eco-friendly crafts for children are offered from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Teachers and students from YK Pao School will help visitors create a quilt patch to be included in the Climate Quilt Campaign. The finished quilt will be sent to the UN Conference on Climate Change, to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009. [the Studio] will guide children to create art from recycled materials, alongside an exhibit of finalists from Touchmedia's Eco-Art Shanghai 2009 Competition.

In addition, Jammala Drum Group will energize visitors with their earthy, high-spirited African style percussion music, starting at 1:30 p.m.

The Eco Design Fair Fall 2009 will offset attendee travel by offering energy credits to a wind power project in Fujian, China through Seal Carbon.

The venue, URBN Hotels Shanghai, embraces China's past, present & future. A renovated factory warehouse, URBN Hotel features 26 design and earth friendly rooms, and all energy consumed by its guests and operating staff are offset.

The Eco Design Fair is the original bi-annual fair providing the community the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and be part of a growing sustainable design movement in Shanghai. The Eco Design Fair is organized by a team from Wobabybasics, GIGA, Naked Retreats, LiveGreen, NEST, and Woigreen with support from sponsors and volunteers.

For more information and event schedule, see www.ecodesignfair.cn

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Sherry Poon, founder of Eco Design Fair
  Tel: +86 13162441598

  Trine Targett, head of Marketing
  Tel: +86 13916399886
  Email: nihao@ecodesignfair.cn
  Website: www.ecodesignfair.cn

Shanghai, China (September 24, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — All are welcomed to the Eco Design Fair, held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at URBN Hotel, for a full day of educational workshops, prominent speakers, exchanges with eco-conscious designers and service providers. A fun filled day is planned for families and friends to also relax and enjoy live music, BBQ, activities for kids whilst browsing the latest products from eco-conscious designers and companies in Shanghai.

The Eco Design Fair exists to advance the sustainable design movement in Shanghai and build community awareness and action around environmental issues as well as provide solutions for healthy sustainable lifestyle. The Eco Design Fair is the original bi-annual fair providing the community the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and be part of a growing eco-conscious movement in Shanghai.

The Eco Design Fair Fall 2009 will return to URBN Hotel, the first carbon neutral hotel in China. Centrally located in Jing An District and is easily accessible by car, foot, bicycle and metro.

This year, our vendor criteria has been enhanced and all products and services on display have been evaluated based on the GIGA Pur Life Cycle Analysis, to ensure products or services at the Eco Design Fair either promote environmental responsibility or contribute to a sustainable future through design, construction and operation.

Net proceeds from this event will benefit Roots & Shoots Shanghai and their Million Tree Project in Ku Lun Qi, Tong Liao municipality in Inner Mongolia. The proceeds from previous events have resulted in donating over 270 trees to this project.

Sherry Poon, owner of Wobabybasics, an organic children's apparel company based in Shanghai, founded the Eco Design Fair in April 2008. With a growing community interest in organic and healthy sustainable living, she saw a potential to bring together the companies in the industry and the community. Her passion is to grow the community awareness through the Eco Design Fair and provide easy access to sustainable design products, services and expert advice from industry leaders to the general public. Key sponsors and organizers now include a board of advisors from A00, GIGA, Nest, Wobabybasics, LiveGreen, Naked Retreats and Woigreen.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Sherry Poon, founder of Eco Design Fair
  Tel: +86 13162441598
  Trine Targett, head of Marketing
  Tel: +86 13916399886
  Email: nihao@ecodesignfair.cn
  Website: www.ecodesignfair.cn