CONFERENCE ORGANIZATIONS
ADVISORY BOARD (TO BE CONFIRMED)
Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment, Columbia University, USA
The Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment (VCC) was launched in January 2006, and its Executive Director is Karl P. Sauvant. The program is a joint undertaking of the Columbia Law School, whose dean is David M. Schizer, and The Earth Institute at Columbia University, whose director is Jeffrey D. Sachs. CPII is supported by the United Nations Millennium Project and Mark and Gail Appel, philanthropists. The Program is also linked to the Center on Global Legal Problems, which is co-directed by José E. Alvarez and Michael Doyle. It is a bridge between the legal focus of Columbia Law School and the sustainable development focus of The Earth Institute. Planned activities include hosting conferences, symposia and a speaker series, creating and disseminating relevant materials and teaching. The Program gives special attention to issues arising in connection with the international governance system for investment and, in particular, the evolution of international investment law and policy.
European Working Group on TNCs and Development
A group of specialists from Spain (Andy Mold, University of Madrid), France (Eric Rugraff and Clarie Mainguy, University of Strasbourg/GEMDEV, Fabienne Bourdier, University Paris XII/GEMDEV and Bernadette Madeuf, Universities Paris X/GEMDEV) and Denmark (Michael W. Hansen, Henrik Schaumburg-Muller and Soeren Jeppesen, Copenhagen Business School (CBS)) have pledged the importance of re-establishing an European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI) activity in multinationals and development. The revival of the former EADI Working Group on 'Multinationals and Development' seeks to bring together a group of likeminded researchers (and development practitioners) in the European development research community. The ambition will be to contribute to the debate on TNCs and development by conducting and disseminating interdisciplinary and high quality research on a selected number of topics related to this theme.
United Nations Transnational Corporations Journal, Geneva, Switzerland
Since the 1990s, the United Nations’ Journal of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) has established itself as an important channel for policy-oriented research and studies. The journal provides useful information and insights into the economic, legal, social and cultural impacts of TNCs in an increasing global context. It includes analyses in foreign direct investment (FDI) and its impact on development; strategies for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises; and identifies policy options as regards FDI. China's investment environment has greatly improved since the country joined the WTO. There have been debates on issues related to China's introduction of foreign capital. For example, while foreign investment has contributed to China's prosperity by driving up growth of gross domestic product, the country's gross national income has failed to grow at such a rapid rate. The Journal of TNCs could help China to be at the forefront of discussions on international investment and understand better the issues involved in international investment.
Productivity and Competitiveness Analysis Directorate, Industry Canada
Led by Dr. Somershwar Rao, Productivity and Competitiveness Analysis Directorate (PCA) is an important part of Economic Research and Policy Analysis Branch at Industry Canada. PCA is responsible for research and analysis of issues that are important to Canadian industries in terms of domestic and foreign investment, international trade, innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
JOINT ORGANIZERS
School of Economics and Management, NWU, Xi’an, China
The School of Economics and Management at Northwestern University has a long history in China. Its business studies were established as early as 1912, and then a Department of Economics was established in 1937. A large number of well-known scholars, such as Dr. Wang Yanan, Zhanglong Luo, Ji Tao, has spent time on the School. In 1977, the Department of Economics was restored, and then formally established in 1985. Since the reform and opening up, the School has greatly developed, which has become a center of economics and management, along with teaching and scientific research. It is a comprehensive national well-known college, including 7 departments, 24 educational and research centers. The school has currently staff of 150 including 109 full-time teachers. Among these, there are 72 professors and associate professors, along with doctorates of 76. The School includes graduate students and doctoral nearly 3,000 people. It also includes the Ministry of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences’ focus of the research base - the economic development of western China Research Center, Shaanxi Province research base focused on humanities and social sciences - the market economy and modern enterprise system and research center.
TNCs International Forum Secretariat, Canada
The world development is connected with transnational corporations (TNCs). Up to present, most TNCs in the world have invested in China where more than 500 thousand foreign enterprises have located. Although China has become a hot place for TNCs, many people in China and the rest of the world are not familiar with it. Such an unfamiliar field is full of charm; and charm means space of development. As far as we know, there is no professional organization oriented to TNCs in China, even in the world. This Transnational Corporations Forum Secretariat aims to become a top-notch platform for TNCs taking advantage of its particular resources. Along with a journal of Transnational Corporations Review in English and Chinese, this initiative considers developing some characteristic contents including TNC News and TNCs Information related to inward and outward FDI, employment, conferences and organizations. In addition, we also consider collecting industries and countries data related to those TNCs, including standards and policies, as well as research papers and articles. These data will be organically connected in the database and could be presented to users by various ways so as to exaggerate their usefulness.
Chinese e-Business Association of Canada (CeBA)
CeBA - Chinese eBusiness Association of Canada is a non-profit Chinese business society for new business start-ups, small and medium sized business across Canada. The main organizational activities include: Provide free consultant services for Canadian Chinese SMB and promote business online; Serve as a voice for the interest of Chinese ebusiness in Canada; Provide business online info to our members and with its own Business Information Center where members can search for business opportunities and other business information; Help and train new immigrants to start online business; Networking, organizing and sponsoring all kinds of events include networking events, seminars, conferences, trade shows, and trade missions; Promote China-Canada trade in goods, services and technologies; Encourage the dynamic dialogue on issues of e-business and cultural interest through regular meetings and special events; Provide group benefits for members.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS/SUPPORTERS
China Brand Strategy Research Institute (CBI)
China Brand Strategy Research Institute (hereinafter referred to CBI) is established in Beijing, China to engage in brand building and promotions of enterprises, scientific research and teaching. Registered by the People's Republic of China, CBI is composed of a number of voluntary associations and corporations qualified to be at a national-level industry organizations. The auspices of the Institute is by carrying out a series of high-level activities authorized with Chinese enterprises, the media and a high degree of recognition of the relevant bodies. In 2005, CBI supported People's Daily China brand consumer satisfaction survey; in 2006 and 2007, CBI supported the activities from the Brand Value of the China's Electronics Industry Council. CBI in China now includes Beijing Yun Qi Brand Marketing Consulting Co., Ltd., Shanghai Riqi Gelun Advertising Co., Ltd., and the Chinese Brands Net as three pillars cross-shareholdings.
Ottawa Center for Research and Innovation (OCRI), Canada
The Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) is Ottawa's leading member-based economic development corporation for fostering the advancement of the region's globally competitive knowledge-based institutions and industries. OCRI Global Marketing (OGM), as part of Ottawa's lead economic agency, offers support services to encourage incoming and outgoing investment and trade opportunities, which help diversify and grow the local economy. As a confidential resource, OGM helps streamline business expansion and relocation, identify international trading opportunities and create new alliances. OGM strategically markets Ottawa region to facilitate trade and to attract the investment, people, and companies critical to a sustained success. The mission for OCRI is to lead Ottawa in economic development by connecting business, research, education, government and talent to advance the competitiveness of knowledge-based industries and institutions, to build wealth and enhance the quality of life.
Ottawa United Learning Academy (OULA), Canada
Ottawa United Learning Academy (OULA) with its Multicultural Club was created in July 2001 to serve as a center for individuals and communities interested in Mandarin and Oriental Culture. This organization encourages Chinese to participate in cross-cultural activities in their local community, enrich the life of individuals, and promote cultural exchanges between Canada and China. OULA conducts the programs and services to include even more cross-cultural activities that focus on Oriental cultural studies and exchanges. OULA enhances the knowledge, skills and personal development of participants by encouraging them to expand their Oriental studies and cultural interests. The organization also places an emphasis on cultural adjustment for new immigrants as they adapt to a new culture and language. By experiencing a small class with no more than ten students to one instructor, individuals have a greater opportunity to develop their language skills and cultural interests. The staff's wide range of expertise and talents creates an enthusiastic, interactive and personalized learning environment. The instructors all have Bachelor degrees as a minimum, and have taken further qualifying courses in areas of specialization, such as Mandarin and Oriental arts.
Transnational Corporations Review (TNCR)
Transnational Corporations Review (TNCR) is a journal published by Ottawa United Learning Academy, a non-profit organization registered in Ontario, Canada. The journal provides economic and policy information along with analysis of issues relating to TNCs, FDI, innovation, and development, with a focus on China’s development and its involvement in the global economy. It is the only professional journal published in Canada that addresses TNC-related issues both theoretically and practically. Serving as a bridge between TNCs, China and the rest of the work, this journal not only covers those TNCs investing in China, but also Chinese enterprises investing abroad. It is developed in North America, with close connection to Europe and China in making full use of the location and resources advantage.