Meeting with Shanghai Bar Association

2017-08-30 | Shanghai

On 30th August, 2017, the representatives of the European Chamber Shanghai Chapter paid a visit to the Shanghai Bar Association, where the two parties exchanged views on possible ways of cooperation, such as organising joint-events and study sessions. The dialogue was a starting point for gaining a better understanding of one another’s mission and objectives. 

The President of the Shanghai Bar Association, Mr. Weifeng Yu, offered his welcome to the European Chamber representatives and declared his support for this dialogue between the two organizations. Mr. Yu followed with an introduction of the Shanghai Bar Association, whose main purpose is to improve the practice skills of lawyers in Shanghai. Members of his delegation further emphasized that cooperation with the Chamber would not only help their organization achieve this aim, but would also provide a platform for both entities to identify common areas of interest, thus allowing them to better cater to their respective members’ interests regarding the Chinese legal environment.    

Ms. Sio-Mei Ng, Working Group Coordinator, and Mr. Xiaochen Ni, Government Affairs Coordinator of the European Chamber presented an outline of the Chamber's structure and described the work of the European Chamber which is establishing a common voice for European business in China. They also explained the role of working groups in actively engaging in policy analysis and providing valuable feedback to various government bodies concerned, and presented the Chamber’s Business Confidence Survey and the Shanghai Position Paper. The Chamber representatives similarly declared their strong interest in organizing joint-events with the Shanghai Bar Association, as the latter has a wide experience in hosting seminars and training sessions on legal issues. 

Mr. Carlo Diego D’Andrea, Vice President of the European Chamber and Chairman of the Shanghai Board concluded the meeting with a call for establishing a strategic cooperation partnership between the Chamber and the Shanghai Bar Association in the manner of a Working Table. This would act as a platform for European businesses in China to discuss concerns and offer suggestions on China's legal practice system. Mr. D’Andrea also invited Mr. Yu to represent his organization at the European Chamber's events, where he could speak on topics of interest. In return, Mr. Yu mentioned a possible visit to Shanghai High People’s Court partnering with the Chamber.