Interel is delighted to invite you to our upcoming luncheon debate on ‘EU/China: building the right investment framework’. At the luncheon distinguished guest speakers will share their expert opinions and facilitate an open exchange of views under Chatham House Rules: Guest Speakers:

• Marc Vanheukelen : Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Karel De Gucht (Trade)
• Helmut Scholz: Member of the European Parliament (GUE/NGL), standing Rapporteur on EU - China trade relations
• Prof. Dr. Haiyan Zhang: Academic Director, Chinese-Europe Business Studies and Euro-China Centre, at the Antwerp Management School Moderator 
• Nancy Kontou: Managing Director of Kontou Associates, former Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Dimas (Environment 2004-10)

Topics of Discussion: At the latest EU-China Summit on 20th September 2012 both parties reaffirmed their commitment to launch negotiations "as soon as possible" with a view to concluding an EU-China investment agreement. The European industry hopes that such an agreement can facilitate access to the Chinese market on fair and non-discriminatory terms and enhance legal certainty.

This raises a number of question which will be discussed during the luncheon: 

• What should a successful investment agreement include? 
• How likely is it for such an agreement to be concluded and on what timescale? 
• Is this the most effective way to achieve the European industry's objectives?