Not only have we just survived two airpocalypses, but Christmas is also just around the corner. Before you get into holiday mode and start preparing your mulled wine, we want to keep up to date with next year’s events, the latest talking points, members news and podcasts. This December has been a great way to end the year, so let's take a quick look at what's been happening over the past month.
Early last month AustCham Beijing prepared a submission to the Australian Government regarding the Productivity Commission’s review into Australia’s Intellectual Property Arrangements. AustCham members have provided a comprehensive overview of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues and recommendations for the Australian Government to strengthen support to Australian businesses navigating intellectual property issues in China.
December 10th AustCham Beijing in partnership with AmCham China hosted a panel with the presidents of major oil & gas companies to discuss the energy outlook in China and the world, in addition to the impacts of the 13th Five Year Plan. The speakers, Craig Hrabar, President of Weatherford (China) Energy Services, Glenn Corrie, Chief Executive Officer of Sino Gas and Energy and Mark Wheeler, President of Conoco Phillips China, each presented their respective company’s outlook in the face of the 13th Five Year Plan and the drop in oil and gas prices. The panel discussion and Q&A were moderated by Nick Wadhams, Bureau Chief of Bloomberg.
December 11th
To bring out the Christmas spirit, AustCham Beijing hosted the annual Aussie Christmas Party at Redmoon, Grand Hyatt Beijing. The event was supported by CPA Australia, ACYA and ACYPI, allowing the Aussie Community in Beijing to be treated to a Christmas themed-mouthwatering buffet, drinks and a live band busting out Christmas carols. KONPLOTT also had a booth at the Christmas Party, providing jewellery rental services to help ladies accessorise themselves for this festive season. All proceeds of the Christmas Party raffle went to the International Center For Veterinary Services (ICVS).
December 14th
On the 14th of December, AustCham Beijing hosted The Hon. Adam Giles MLA, Chief Minister for the Northern Territory, at a lunch with key Chinese and Australian representatives of industry. The Chief Minister spoke of the potential for investment into the Territory, highlighting its rich endowment of natural resources waiting to be exploited. Chief Minister Giles also emphasised the proximity of the Northern Territory to Asia, where stronger trade ties between Asia and the Northern Territory would be mutually beneficial.
Finally the big news for this month, Australia’s Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb AO MP, announced that the China – Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) will come into force shortly with the first round of tariff cuts having already begun on December 20 and a second round on January 1 2016.
We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and engagement with AustCham Beijing throughout 2015, and look forward to next year being the Chamber's biggest year yet! Please note that the AustCham Beijing office will be closed from December 24 2015 to January 3 2016.
Drawing nominations from companies operating across a range of industries, the ACBA program is a high-profile celebration of success amongst small and big business in Greater China and Australia. In April 2016 the winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner in Shanghai during Australia Week in China.
Working Groups Industry working groups news - here are some of the biggest stories for our industry working groups, drawn from our weekly talking points in December and sources around the world.
Members News:Vista Medical Center, a comprehensive medical clinic in the heart of the CBD, is proud to be a part of Austcham. We were founded in 2000 as a full service international clinic and are located in the Kerry Center adjacent to the Kerry Hotel. We offer top level medical services with rigorous international standards. We have exceptional doctors, direct billing with over 60 national and international insurance companies, and a bilingual staff to assist you throughout your visit. Come see what sets us apart from the rest!
Mates Rates
Westin Tianjin is offering Family Weekend Deals. Treat yourself and the children. More information.
Inovaair is offering 30% off Australian made Air Purifier. More information.
Servcorp is offering a 30 Days Risk Free Trial of the Virtual Office, plus other benefits. More information.
Duty Driver, Australian Federal Police, Australian Embassy
For more details about these positions and to see the full listing of jobs with AustCham Beijing member companies, please visit our Recruitment Page.
Did you know that Job Vacancy listings with AustCham Beijing are complementary for Corporate Members and are available for non-members at special prices? Click here to see your job vacancy advertised in our next newsletter and on our website!
Thank you for reading the AustCham Beijing Monthly December Edition
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Please contact AustCham Beijing.