Beijing, Shanghai (March 5, 2008) /China Newswire/ — Given the many challenges China faces in planning the next stage of its economic and social reforms, this year's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are of particular importance. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China will be closely monitoring the 'two sessions' and hopes that issues concerning China's investment climate will be addressed constructively and effectively.

Joerg Wuttke, President of the European Chamber said, "European companies hope that the 'two sessions' can focus on concrete and detailed measures concerning China's economic growth mode transformation, and come up with feasible solutions to issues affecting China's investment climate, such as protection of intellectual property rights, environmental protection, energy efficiency, the development of a fair and open market and the enforcement of laws and regulations".

Turning to expected reforms in government organisation, Mr Wuttke said, "Our members look forward to seeing some new structures and functions that can improve government service levels, ensure the consistency and continuity of policies, drive China's economic and social reforms forward and help provide a better and more sustainable environment for everyone".

The European Chamber's more than 1300 members and 28 Working Groups have a keen interest in some of the hot topics which are likely to be discussed in the 'two sessions'. These include reforms in health insurance and social insurance, housing policies, inflation, social responsibility, and employment issues. Following the 'two sessions', the Chamber plans to hold a series of discussions for members to reflect on the new directions and policies set by China's leadership, and to consider the implications for European investors.

INTERNET LINKS

http://www.europeanchamber.com.cn

About the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China was founded by 51 European member companies on 19th October 2000. The European Chamber was established to give European businesses a common voice across different business sectors, nationalities and regions of China. Seven years after its foundation, the European Chamber now has more than 1300 members and operates from eight offices supporting seven chapters: Beijing, Chengdu, Nanjing, Pearl River Delta, Shanghai, Shenyang and Tianjin. The Chamber is recognised by the European Commission and the Chinese authorities as the authoritative and independent voice of European business in China.

The Chamber is built around 28 Working Groups, bringing together senior executives who engage in strategic discussions ranging from market access to the evolution of the business environment in China. Through regular dialogues with both the Chinese and European government, the Chamber conveys the operational business concerns of European companies and makes suggestions for improvements to policy-makers.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Grace Yao, Press Officer of the European Chamber
  Phone: +86 10 6462 2066 - 30
  Mobile: +86 1367 1168 084
  E-mail: gyao@euccc.com.cn

Technorati Tags:
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China | NPC | CPPCC

Mr. Christophe Lajus, the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai visited the New Zealand Consulate General to celebrate the National Day of New Zealand.

From left:
Mr Paul Rothville, Deputy Consul-General.
Mr. Christophe Lajus, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai.
Mrs. Wen Chin Powles, Consul-General.
Ms. Jane Hua, Consular Officer
Ms. Jessica, Director of Sales of Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai.

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Note to Editors:
Crowne Plaza Shanghai is located at 199 Handan Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The hotel is on the Middle Ring Road right opposite the gates of Fudan University just a 15 minute drive from Shanghai’s famous Bund. The Hotel features 309 guest rooms including 34 suites, four Food & Beverage outlets and a fully equipped Health Club. The Crowne Plaza Ballroom and 10 Meeting Rooms are complimented by a full service Business Center offering comprehensive facilities that also caters for social events. The renowned Crowne Plaza Meeting Success program – which includes services such as a dedicated Crowne Meetings Director and Two Hour Response to all meeting inquiries, will firmly establish Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai as The Place To Meet.

The Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai is owned by Shanghai Investment Group (SIG) and managed by InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s most global hotel company and the largest by number of rooms, InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,500 hotels and 534,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.

For further press information and photos, please contact:
Connie Ji
Public Relations Officer
Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai
Tel: + 86 21 5552 9999
Fax: + 86 21 5552 9990
Email: connie.ji@crowneplazafudan.com