European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC)
Role in URBAN-EU-CHINA
Lead of Task 1.3; Contributor to Task 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2
Short description of the organisation
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (European Chamber) was founded in 2000 by 51 member companies that shared a goal of establishing a common voice for the various business sectors of European businesses operating in China. It is a members-driven, non-profit, fee-based organisation with a core structure of 25 working groups and 7 fora representing European business in China. The European Chamber now has nearly 1,600 members in 7 chapters operating in 9 cities: Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenyang, South China (Guangzhou and Shenzhen), Southwest China (Chengdu, Chongqing) and Tianjin. The Chamber is recognised by the European Commission and the Chinese Authorities as the official voice of European business in China. The European Chamber supports member companies’ government affairs advocacy efforts; helps them understand policy and market conditions and expand network in China.
Key Staff in URBAN-EU-CHINA
Yang (Kevin) GAO (lawyer), a Working Group Coordinator of the EUCCC, has been in charge of construction, environment, quality and safety working groups, as well as representing the European Wood in China, focusing on the topics of urbanisation and sustainable development. Mr. Gao has organised both high-level and working-level dialogues and meetings with relevant Chinese stakeholders for the European business in China, including but not limited to the MOHURD, NDRC, MIIT, MEP and MOFCOM, along with industrial associations, concerning Chinese construction and urbanisation policies and the promotion of investment in high-quality, energy-efficient buildings. Prior to joining in the Chamber, Mr. Gao was working as an attorney and legal consultant in foreign investment, M&A, regulatory compliance, international arbitration in the top-tier Wall Street law firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, and the top Chinese law firm Fangda Partners for several years. His experience in legal practice and policy lobbying in China and knowledge on international relations and investment would contribute tremendously to this project. kgao@europeanchamber.com.cn
