Day 5: It’s simple economics

Early start today with breakfast at 6:15am, something I’m going to have to get used to!

Today is the Economist’s China Summit for 2013. Taking place for the third time in as many years, the conference this year is themed around the recent leadership change that took place in China and the greater implications it could have both domestically and internationally.

Boasting a range of prestigious speakers and delegates, The Economist has but together a comprehensive programme that covers topics from international trade and investment through to innovation and media. All going to plan, it should be as interesting as it is insightful.

Fran is attending in her role as deputy chairman of PECC’s NZ committee, while I was lucky enough to be offered a position at the conference as an assistant, allowing me to take in the day’s event without having to sell a kidney.

Updated:

Didn’t have a chance to update my blog throughout the day as I have been doing – it was a full-on day between the fast-paced programme of speakers while assisting throughout.

I really enjoyed my role and got to meet a number of the dignitaries throughout the day including China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fu Ying and the American Ambassador to China, Gary Locke.

The panel discussions throughout the day were great – in particular discussions centered around the China-US relationship and Chinese FDI. There was an eccentric investor as part of the Chinese investment discussions who recounted trying to buy a .3% stake in Iceland – as you do.

Tomorrow is a big day for China. Fourth quarter GDP numbers for 2012 are due to be released, results which will be important in evaluating growth within the region and are extremely important to the public and private sector alike. More on that tomorrow.

Until then, zài jiàn!