11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.          

1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 - 2:15 p.m.                                

Description:

The media and entertainment sector has witnessed significant cross-border activity, investment and development over the last couple of years with Chinese capital collaborating with Hollywood on the signing of investment and distribution agreements. Both markets are benefiting from increased collaboration and investment in creative development, technological innovation and cultural exchange. China’s film market, including its growing audience and box office revenue has continued its rapid growth and plays an important role in the country’s cultural industry. Internet development continues to drive innovation in business models and films and video companies are both seeking strategic cooperation and diversification in the industry chain.  The significant rise of video-on-demand subscriptions in China is also generating higher demand for premium content. Local production, foreign production, and co-production of films and television series are actively seeking opportunities to take advantage of the growing potential among Chinese consumers in both the traditional theatrical release of films as well as through VOD channels. What can China learn from the established U.S. media and entertainment industry as it seeks opportunities for investment and impact and what can the U.S. learn from China as it seeks to expand its influence in the growing Chinese entertainment market? Panelists will share their experience in understanding developments in the U.S.-China cross-border media and entertainment industry, as well as highlight their observations and predictions on future areas of innovation, investment and collaboration and where the growth opportunities and challenges lie ahead.

3:15 - 3:45 p.m.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY: Innovation as a Driver of Long-term Economic Growth – China’s Increasing Global Influence | Korn Convocation Hall

Description:
Innovation in science, technology and R&D has been a core driver of the U.S. economy. Long the world’s most innovative economy, the U.S. is a preferred destination for Chinese investors seeking investments that allow them to upgrade technology and innovative capacity in medicine, hybrid vehicles, energy saving and environmental protection as well as food safety and digital manufacturing. Although China has seen growing domestic innovations, the role of scientific and technological advancements that enhance innovation-driven development of the country’s traditional industries will be an important engine to drive future long-term economic growth. Beijing, Hangzhou and Chengdu are aspiring to become global hubs of innovation and influence that attract high-end industries. Increased collaboration and strategic cooperation agreements between the two countries will be critical to harness innovation and develop emerging technologies as progress in technology continues to reshape lives in China and the U.S. Panelists will share their experiences driving innovation and change by developing new strategies, technologies, products and business models and share their successes and lessons learned from cross-border collaborations as well as observations and insights of how technologically innovative companies can drive sustainable growth. Panelists will also discuss cross-border investment opportunities and challenges and share their vision on the globalization process of Chinese technology firms as well as the future of China’s technological innovations.

REAL ESTATE: Successful Cross-Border Partnerships: How to Make it Happen | D-301

David Fong | Founding Partner, RedBridge Capital, LLC
Chang M. Liu | Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Cathay Bank
Megan Moloughney | Senior Development Manager, The Alhambra, The Ratkovich Company
Bill Zhou | Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Elite International Investment Fund (EIIF)
MODERATOR: Greg Karns | Partner, Institutional Investment & Finance, Real Estate, Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP

Description:
Fueled by the need for capital diversification and risk mitigation, China has made the United States’ real estate markets a top destination for its overseas investment. Initially concentrating on income-producing properties, Chinese investors now seek a full spectrum of opportunities, including ground up development, often with a developer partner. Panelists will examine the anatomy and evolution of a cross-border development partnership, from the viewpoints of the partners themselves. The panel will provide a rare opportunity to hear partners’ insights and observations into the issues that matter to both sides in the partner-building process.

INVESTMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND GROWTH STRATEGIES: Cross Border Investment: Trends, Investment Patterns and Opportunities for China and the United States | C-315

Dan Chen | Managing Director, Head of U.S. TMT, CEC Capital (formerly Siemer & Associates)
William L. Hsiang | Partner, Shiang Law Firm, P.C. 
Philip Hurst | Senior Vice President, Director of Wealth Management and Premier Banking, Cathay Bank
Curt Moldenhauer | Partner, Deal Practice, U.S. Leader, PwC
MODERATOR: Joseph Lee | Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Cathay Bank

Description:
Despite its rapid growth, U.S.-China FDI is still at an early stage and is among the most important channels of economic exchange that will shape U.S.-China relations in the years ahead. The 3rd   Plenum’s plans to overhaul China’s growth model and transition to a consumption, service and innovation-driven economy is an important driver of outbound investment. According to the 2016 Rhodium Report, Chinese FDI flows grew and an average annual rate of 27% over the past decade. The shift in investment patterns has also transformed the mix of Chinese investors in the U.S. economy. In recent years, Chinese FDI has been dominated by private sector firms seeking investments that allow them to upgrade technology and innovative capacity and prepare them for a more consumer and brand-oriented domestic economy, as well as seeking acquisitions in more capital intensive greenfield projects in real estate and manufacturing. Chinese HNWIs are also increasingly seeking overseas investment alternatives.  While U.S.-China economic relations have strengthened, there is a need for greater symmetry in the cross-border FDI relationship. Investment has also added a new dimension to U.S-China relations, drawing scrutiny from policy makers on both sides. Panelists will review recent trends and investment patterns including geographical distribution of investments, mix of targeted industries and type of business activities. They will also discuss the various investment financing strategies in the two-way relationship including mergers and acquisitions, joint venture partnerships and strategic alliances and review the benefits and risks associated with each. Panelists will also provide forward-looking perspectives on the trajectory and explore how the U.S. and China can both benefit from such investment and balance risk and return on both sides.

Description:

Changes in China’s global economic footprint as well as the rapid growth in the country’s FDI activity in the U.S. in recent years has added a new dimension to U.S.-China economic relations and drawn attention from policymakers on both sides. Rapid growth in external trade has slowed and so has the inflow of FDI by U.S. companies as opportunities in manufacturing diminish and America firms focus on less capital intensive service industries. Stepping into 2017, the U.S.-China relationship faces increasing uncertainty and complexity. Relations between the world’s two largest economies are entering a new chapter that presents both unprecedented opportunities as well as challenges ahead. While the U.S. reconsiders its domestic and international strategy, China is dealing with its own economic slowdown after decades of rapid expansion. As Chinese companies grow the scale of their operations in the U.S., they are seeking out opportunities to make an impact in the community in which they are investing and looking to grow their business. How will the bilateral investment environment evolve? Can the U.S. and China successfully pursue and achieve growth strategies through a win-win approach? How will the U.S.-China relationship evolve under the new administration? How can the two world leaders work together and confront differences, resolve conflict and find mutually beneficial solutions to competition to create Sino-American strategic stability that embraces innovation and collaboration across all sectors? What role can tourism play as an engine for economic and trade cooperation and a platform for cultural exchange that fosters a more solid social basis for bilateral relations development? What new questions should business leaders and investors on both sides of the Pacific consider? Panelists will discuss their own experiences and share their thoughts on the future of the U.S.-Sino relationship, their perspectives on how far the relationship has come and discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead.