ASIABIZBLOG

Here is as curious a report as can be imagined. A Sino-British joint-venture dissolved because of one rude encounter between chief executives?

Beijing Guoan Advertising head Yan Gang said the decision [to dissolve the joint venture] came after he was called to London in April to discuss management problems and was allegedly given a brusque reception by WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell.

"I have met a lot of people but never met anyone as rude as (Sir) Martin," Yan told the British newspaper.

"Because of this kind of attitude, we have been forced to cease co-operation with him."

One is stunned as with a brickbat over the forehead. Chinese are supremely practical beings -- a mere snub overwhelming commercial motives? There must be more to the story.

Can any reader, perhaps in the ad business, supplement?

Shanghai Arbitration Commission
Shanghai Jiaotong University Law School & New York University Law School
invite you to an arbitration event in honor of

Prof. Jerome A. Cohen (NYU) and Mr. Wang Zude (Vice Chairman, SAC)

Talking on Arbitrating Chinese-Foreign Business Disputes: Recent Progress & Problems

Time:
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Place:
Shanghai Arbitration Commission
23rd Floor of Wen Xin Building
755 Wei Hai Rd., Shanghai 200041

Please RSVP by June 19 to Prof. Xiao Kai
kaixiao@sjtu.edu.cn
86 21 131-6623-6345

This Saturday, June 17, 2006, I will deliver a paper to the Chinese-American Librarian's Association (CALA) at the Queen's Public Library in New York City. The topic: Pirated Editions and American Copyright Law -- Implications for Librarians Building a Chinese Collection.

To my knowledge, the seminar is open only to CALA members, but interested readers of this blog are welcome to contact me. If there is sufficient interest, I would be willing to post in shortened form or submit the full length paper for publication.

Early in this blog's life, nearly 7 years ago, I wrote on business issues throughout the Asian region. Reader interest has focused this blog on China since then, but, having discovered the excellent collaborative blog of Kiyoshi Takahashi and Ippei Takushima, both bengoshi, also admitted to practice in New York, I find my eye wandering back. Legal readers especially should click over to the Japan Corporate Law Blog.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED INDEFINITELY. AmCham GZ issued a brief notice stating why: "due to concerns and difficulties with the implementation of certain parts of the New Corporate Law, specifically GSWQZ [2006] No. 81, various relevant governmental organs have scheduled internal review meetings."

At its Government Relations Committee Meeting, The American Chamber of Commerce, Guangdong, will present a panel discussion entitled (rather provocatively):

Will Your Representative Office License Be Cancelled?
您公司的驻华代表处执照会被取消?

Severe Penalty and Even Revocation Under the New Corporate Law May Follow Business Activity Conducted by Your Rep. Office
从事经营活动的代表处可能会被处罚

Join the AmCham Government Relations Committee Meeting & listen to what the experts will say
广东美国商会政府关系委员会会议听取专家及政府代表意见

Guest speakers 主讲嘉宾

Division Chief, Foreign Enterprises Administration Division, Department of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation of GZ Municipality 广东省外经贸厅
Director General, The Board of Investment Promotion, Guangdong 广东省投资促进局
Section Chief, Foreign Enterprises Administration Division, Bureau of Administration for Industry and Commerce, Guangzhou 广州市工商局外资管理处

Time: 15:30 - 18:00, June 27th, 2006 Tuesday
2006年06月27日，星期二，下午15:30 - 18:00
Venue: Guangdong International Hotel, the 2nd Floor, the Longevity Hall
广东国际大酒店，二楼国际会议中心浣溪沙厅
Charge: Free of Charge

RSVP required. Fax 20 8332-1642 or e-mail to events@amcham-guangdong.org.

Tennis, anyone?