Transition: Exploring China's Path Forward

Cambridge, Massachusetts, March 10, 2003 -- Harvard China Review (HCR: http://www.harvardchina.org) will hold its sixth annual conference on April 12, 2003 on the Harvard Business School Campus in Boston, Massachusetts. Featured speakers include Mr. Hongxi Zhang, Consul General of the Consulate General of People's Republic of China in New York; Mr. Shan Li, CEO of Bank of China International Holdings, Ltd.; Professor Ezra Vogel, Henry Ford II Professor the Social Sciences, Emeritus, of Harvard University; and Mr. Stephen S. L. Lam, Secretary of Constitutional Affairs of the Hong Kong SAR Constitutional Affairs Bureau.

After a series of reforms in the last two decades aimed at better integration with the global market economy, China has witnessed a spectacular growth that has transformed its landscape and propelled it into the world spotlight. In particular, China has made impressive strides in expanding national economic output, raising people's living standards, and promoting cultural and economic exchange. Yet the dizzying growth has also brought about a myriad of problems that few countries have ever experienced. As China prepares herself for the structural challenges ahead, she must extend economic reforms while maintaining social stability in the face of a sluggish world economy. We are entering a crucial transitional stage, and the strategic choices made during this transition are likely to have an impact not only on China’s viability, but development throughout the region and the world.

"Transition: Exploring China's Path Forward" will examine the challenges and opportunities facing the new generation of Chinese leaders, and study options available to both the public and private sectors as they strive to maintain Chinese society's vitality. It will also explore the roles of domestic and international businesses in this historic transition, and analyze their options as they adjust to the new competitive landscape. Scheduled panels will examine in detail:

• The foray of large Chinese companies into the international market and the growth of private enterprises in the domestic scene
• The role of technology in propelling China to the world stage
• The many hurdles facing multinational enterprises as they enter the Chinese market
• The challenges of providing education to the poorer sectors of the population
• The impact of structural changes to China's social welfare
• The many opportunities facing China's fledgling financial institutions
• The advantages of indigenous media companies in the competition with international media powerhouses

To learn more about the speakers and panels, please visit http://www.harvardchina.org/conference/conf2003/. Tickets can be purchased through our website using a secure server, as well as in person and by telephone from the Harvard Box Office.

HCR, founded in 1998 by a group of students and professionals in the greater Boston area, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting academic, economic, and cultural exchange between China and the international community. In the five years since its inception, HCR has enjoyed spectacular success through a series of events and publications designed to promote understanding of China's growth and its role in the world stage.

HCR operates through three distinct channels. The namesake magazine, annual conference, and biweekly seminar series together provide comprehensive and timely coverage of China and major international events affecting China. More importantly, they present a forum for the exchange of ideas between prominent leaders and ordinary students and professionals. Thanks to the dedication of its members, HCR has distinguished itself among members of the government, business, and academic communities.

For more details on HCR's track record, please visit our website at http://www.harvardchina.org.

 

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