Published: Wednesday, 16th June, 2010 4:30pm

Athlone conference on doing business in China

A day-long conference on doing business in China is to be hosted in Athlone later this month.

The conference will explore the challenges and opportunities for Irish firms doing business in and with China.

The conference takes place at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone on June 22 and is being organised by FGS Chartered Accountants and will deal with legal, financial and tax issues for companies doing business with China.

FGS Managing Partner, Jim Mulqueen said: "The conference is a tremendous chance for business people here to interact with senior figures from the world of business in China and the agencies here such as Enterprise Ireland who work in this area."

The conference Chairman is RTE business journalist John Murray, a regular presenter of Morning Ireland and The Business on RTE Radio 1. John lived in China for two years when his wife, Miriam Donohoe, was Beijing Correspondent of the Irish Times.

Mr Mulqueen says the full potential of the Chinese market needs to be realised by businesses.

"Our trading relationship with Asia is very important, trade between China and Ireland is worth over €2 billion annually. There is a huge market in China and tapping into its potential will bring significant benefit to business and industry here."

Understanding the legal and financial issues as well as the different business culture is essential in capitalising on the opportunities for Irish businesses in China.

The conference will hear from business leaders who have been involved in trading with China and representatives from Enterprise Ireland. The Head of the Commercial Division from the Chinese Embassy will open the conference which will also be addressed by the Asia Pacific Chairman of FGS international affiliates, RSM.

Jim Mulqueen of FGS said: "This conference is an ideal opportunity for business people to get a full understanding of all the aspects of doing business in China, but significantly it will give them direct access to the information and contacts they need to start doing business with and in China

Places can be booked by contacting: Anna Nelson at the FGS Dublin office: anna.nelson@fgspartnership.com Ph: 01 408 2033