One of our many business assumptions that changed after September was that China would fuel a 20 year global commodity boom, paid for by their manufactured exports at unbeatable prices.
What should the strategy for 2009 and the medium term be for South African companies? Today’s economy doesn’t mean going into hibernation and letting your competitors get ahead.
Shipping a container from southern China today costs $0.00, not counting fuel and handling. But half of China’s toy exporters, for example, have gone bust. Do today’s sea freight rates compensate for other changes such as questions about reliable supply and accessible credit?
Did the milk melamine scare irretrievably damage the reputation of Chinese industry in terms of quality management?
Can you risk sharing your intellectual property by outsourcing to China?
How complex are their local financial and legal trapdoors?
But, today when cash is king, does China hold most of the chips?
It goes without saying that supply chain management is key for industrial businesses.
Understanding this agile communist-led capitalist economy should be part of your planning. Meet our team of speakers with the hands-on experience-
Dr Martyn Davies will discuss how South African companies should address the China supply chain question in their business strategy.
Alec Goodman, merchandising director, has extensive experience of importing from China for Hi-Fi Corporation.
Pierre Geyser is procurement director for Hollard Insurance, known as a services company, but who are building a glass factory in China.
Christo Hechter of brand leader Cadac manages the supply chain they pioneered into China- not just outsourcing, but managing the manufacturing there, including for their growing market in Europe.
The workshop is facilitated by Craig Voortman, who has recently re-visited China on a study tour.
The meeting concludes with an in-depth panel discussion, with ample opportunity for audience questions.
If your company is interested in:
• Buying from suppliers in China
• Competing with China-based companies
• Selling to customers in China.
Or, if you are curious to assess new trends in supply chain management in a period when the rules have changed.
Anchor Speakers
Keynote- Dr Martyn Davies, Frontier Advisory and GIBS. An organiser of the recent launch of the offices of the China-Africa Development Fund in Johannesburg, and CEO of Frontier Advisory, the leading research and strategy firm specializing in emerging markets. He has lived, worked and studied in Asia for 14 years and is currently writing a book on China’s commercial engagement of Africa. He has been a regular commentator in local and international media, from the BBC to Al-Jezeera to Davos.
Chairman – Craig Voortman, Author, consultant and manager at the department of transportation and SCM at the University of Johannesburg, Craig has just returned from a study trip to China. Many will be familiar with his interactive presentation style, from our previous meetings.
If you have any queries about this workshop, call Dave Tootill on 083 453 8318