Business Breakfast: Doing business with China - Chasing prosperity

Description

How do Australian businesses navigate the cultural and political challenges of China's 23 provinces, five autonomous regions and two Special Administrative regions?

To untangle the intricate web of these challenges, Helen Sawczak (National CEO, Australia China Business Council) and Laura Mattiazzi (Head of NAB Agribusiness, Agribusiness Development Asia Desk) will present fascinating insights on the challenges and opportunities of doing business with China, at our next Monash Marketing Business Breakfast.

You'll hear about businesses that have successfully broken into the Chinese food and agri market through the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), and you'll hear stories about the trade challenges facing companies and what to avoid as an Australian exporter. With China now comprising 25% of the world's online population, you'll also gain insights into navigating China's digital landscape – from trends in Chinese online behaviour to practical tips on succesfully accessing the digital Chinese consumer.

Guest speakers

Laura Mattiazzi
Head of NAB Agribusiness, Agribusiness Development Asia Desk

Laura Mattiazzi has over 20 years banking experience across Asia Pacific.

She was born in and graduated from mainland China where she worked at Bank of China and Dao Heng Bank (now DBS) in Hong Kong, before pursuing postgraduate studies in Australia. After graduating from RMIT with a High Distinction, Laura joined National Australia Bank (NAB) in 1999, where she is now the Head of Asia Business Development. Since joining NAB, Laura has worked closely with offshore capitals investing into Australian properties from SE Asian investors to that of mainland China.

Laura recently graduated as GAICD from AICD and the agribusiness program at Harvard Business School. She remains as an active Vice-Chair for Aust-China Business Council's Food and Agribusiness Committee. She is also a member of the Department of Marketing's Industry Advisory Board.

Helen Sawczak
National CEO, Australia China Business Council

After graduating from Arts/Law at Monash, Helen started her career as a corporate lawyer at international law firms both in Australia and overseas.

In Australia, Helen worked in the China practice of Minter Ellison, before moving to Moscow and Kazakhstan to work for Clifford Chance, acting for European and American clients participating in the privatisation of former Soviet state industries. After returning to Australia, Helen worked as in-house counsel with Alcoa and Telstra, and then moved into senior management roles at Australia Post and ANZ Bank.

Helen studied Mandarin throughout her secondary and tertiary education, which included three long-term study trips to Nanjing University and Fudan University in Shanghai. More recently, Helen undertook Chinese postgraduate studies at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 2016 with First Class Honours.

The Australia China Business Council is a membership based organisation dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Australia and China. ACBC has a Branch in every Australian State and Territory, holding hundreds of information and networking events each year to assist Australian and Chinese companies to connect.

Hosted by

Brigette McGuire
Managing Director, McGuire Marketing

Brigette McGuire is a leading executive in marketing, media, governance and a commentator on business issues, behaviours and ethics in the sport and recreation sector.

Over a 25 year career, Brigette's work in the sport and entertainment sectors has spanned leading organisations including the USTA, Tennis Australia, Golf Australia,  the Australian Sports Commission and the Nine television network to name a few. As Director of Marketing for Tennis Australia and the Australian Open Grand Slam, Brigette was described as the most powerful woman in tennis having responsibility for the global brand.

A member of the Monash University's Business School Advisory Board, the Sport Environment Alliance Board and former Chair of the Department of Marketing Advisory Board, Brigette is Monash University Alumni having graduated with a Master of Marketing Degree from the University's Caulfield campus.

Ticket prices

Full fee $120.00
Monash Alumni $70
Table of Eight $790