Harvard China Review Announces 4th Annual Conference

China after WTO Entry: Opportunities and Challenges

Cambridge, Massachusetts, March 8, 2001 - Harvard China Review (HCR) will hold its 4th annual conference May 6, 2001 at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The conference will feature panel discussions dealing with issues of all aspects of China's economy after its entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Featured speakers include Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, the next Director General of the WTO; Li Rongrong, Minister, State Economic & Trade Commission; Long Yongtu, Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, China.

China's accession to the WTO has been a world focus for years. After China had signed agreements with the US and EU, it became very clear that China would enter the WTO. Both Eastern and Western companies are very concerned about the impact on international economy and China's economy. Since last year, HCR, a non-profit organization founded by graduate students at Harvard University and young professionals in the metro Boston area, has been working on the 4th annual conference for 2001. After having done extensive research both in China and the US, they have developed a very attractive conference plan. The topics focus on China's economy, business, law and society.

The conference for 2001 will evaluate the implication of WTO entry to various key industries in China. It will also explore the strategic options that the Chinese government, as well as industries and companies throughout the world, can take to adjust to the new competitive landscape and to ensure their success after the entry. Moreover, it will evaluate the many challenges for China to comply with WTO regulations, identify corrective actions that China can take, and suggest collaborative efforts that can be taken between China and the U.S. in order to enforce the rules. Scheduled panels include: impact of WTO entry on China's economy and society; telecommunications industry; automobile industry; information technology industry; financial services; state-owned enterprises. Details of the conference can be found on www.harvardchina.org.

HCR has been receiving strong support from world-renowned intellectuals and corporate leaders from all over the world. This conference is for leading academics, business leaders, and policy makers to address important issues and to exchange ideas and opinions.