Surviving the New Coronavirus as a SME – Policies and Tools to Support your Business

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The novel coronavirus (COVD-19) has impacted many areas of China’s economic and social ecosystem, including the business community. In particular, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in China, as one of the most vulnerable groups, have been hit the hardest by the outbreak. The Chinese government, aware of the issues faced by small businesses, has released a host of supporting policies to help them weather the current crisis. As a foreign SME, it is key to make sure your business has the necessary policy knowledge and management tools to address the multiple challenges created by this situation.

The EU SME Centre and the European Chamber are thus pleased to invite you to our webinar where we will address pressing questions on how and what to do to overcome the impacts of COVID-19 for SMEs operating in China. Mr. Kyle Freeman, Partner at Dezan Shira, will give an overview of the current situation and will provide practical advice on measures to take as a small business, while an official of the China Centre for the Promotion of SMEs at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will present on the exceptional policies and regulations released by the Chinese authorities to support SMEs. The official will be speaking in Chinese while the Chamber will provide consecutive English translation.

Agenda

15:15-15:30 Opening of Video-Conference

15:30-15:35 Opening Remarks

15:35-16:10 Presentation by Mr. Kyle Freeman

16:10-16:45 Presentation by MIIT official

16:45-17:30 Discussion and Q&A

Speakers

Kyle Freeman

Kyle Freeman is a Partner at Dezan Shira & Associates, and leads the International Business Advisory team in North China as well as the firm’s North American client services desk in Asia. He advises clients on market entry strategy, corporate structuring and establishment, and related tax and legal issues concerning investment in China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Prior to joining Dezan Shira & Associates, Kyle worked in government relations and China trade policy for various public and private organizations. His work included assisting in high-level, US-China bilateral trade dialogues and organizing public-private cooperation programs to promote US and foreign investment in China.

Kyle has a master’s degree in economics and international trade from the University of International Business and Economics, in Beijing, and dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and global affairs from George Mason University, in Washington D.C. He has also been a visiting fellow at the University of Oxford and the Beijing Language Culture University.

MIIT’s SME Bureau

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)’s SME Bureau focuses on the support and promotion of SMEs in China.