African and Chinese Businesswomen Connect to Advance Economic Development and Encourage Trade

African and Chinese Businesswomen Connect to Advance Economic Development and Encourage Trade

September 08, 2007

World Bank Chief Economist John Page Keynote Vital Voices
Shanghai Symposium 'Women as an Economic Force' 

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
In an effort to build greater connections between Chinese
and African women, Vital Voices Global Partnership, with
the support of Standard Chartered Bank, will bring 18
African women to Shanghai, China over September 9-12, 2007,
for a an intensive three-day program to develop partnerships
that will further economic development and encourage trade
while fostering accountability and encouraging social
responsibility.  The 18 African women will spend the week
with other female Chinese senior executives and business
owners on working together to build stronger economic
relations while promoting positive trade practices between
China and the Africa. 

    The program, which will take place at the Eton Hotel in
Shanghai, will be keynoted on September 10 by John Page,
Senior Economist with the World Bank, whose address will
focus on Setting the Stage: China & Africa: Trade and
Economic Development. 

    As the key sponsor to the event, Katherine Tsang, CEO
of Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited, said, "We
are delighted to work with Vital Voices in providing the
right platform for such a meaningful discussion on the
development African and Chinese women's roles in leadership
and business. This is very much aligned to our Bank's
Diversity & Inclusion global initiative of creating and
sustaining a meritocracy based on contribution which
operates within a highly-diverse and inclusive culture. 

    "Vital Voices has gathered some of the most
influential and experienced thought leaders and
practitioners in the business world today and I, for one,
am looking forward to hearing their views on the
continually developing roles of women in the business
world." 

    "Today we are witnessing a new era of Chinese
investment throughout Africa," said Alyse Nelson
Bloom, Vice President of Vital Voices and key organizer of
this program.  She added, "China is now the third
largest trading partner with the continent, and is
continuing to strengthen its ties with many African
countries.  While these new economic partnerships are being
cultivated, it is critical that women come together to
establish relationships to promote positive growth and
development."  In order to ensure the inclusion of
women at the decision making table, Vital Voices will bring
women from key African countries such as South Africa,
Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, and
Zimbabwe to promote alliances between Chinese and African
emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders in various
sectors. 

    The African delegation of women will also connect with
their Chinese counterparts to discuss economic development
in China and Africa, while protecting human rights and
promoting positive business practices. 

    The aim of this program is to develop an ongoing
working group of women leaders that will lead the way for
positive partnerships and fair business practices for
Africa and China.  As the economic ties between the two
continue to grow, it is imperative that there is dialogue
addressing the positive change these relations will have
while ensuring that economic development is not achieved at
all costs.  These women will forge partnerships to ensure
positive results for both China and Africa. 

    In addition to Standard Chartered Bank and Vital
Voices, support for this program has come from the U.S.
Department of State, the International Finance Corporation
(IFC), and Orrick, a global law firm. 
    Katherine Tsang, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank (China)
Limited and American Consul General Kenneth Jarrett will
provide opening remarks at the Symposium. 

NOTE:  Representatives of the Media are welcome to attend
this session, which begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 11:30
a.m. 

    Additional Symposium speakers include Ambassador Ruth
Davis, Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the Assistant
Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs,
Amanda Ellis, Head of Gender Entrepreneurship Markets, IFC,
Saadia Zahidi, Author and Economist, the World Economic
Forum, Sheila Wong, Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard
Chartered Bank (China) Limited, Eileen O'Connor, Attorney,
Orrick and former CNN White House Correspondent, Brenda
Wong, General Manager of SME Banking, Standard Chartered
Bank (China) Limited, Michael Useem, Professor of
Management and Director of the Center for Leadership and
Change at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
and author of The Go Point: When It's Time To Decide among
other books, and leading African and Chinese business
leaders. 

    Vital Voices Global Partnership (VVGP) is an
international nonprofit 501-c-3.  It believes in the
transforming value of women's participation in society and
invests In advancing emerging women leaders who are true
pioneers of economic development, political participation,
and human rights in their countries.  VVGP helps them build
the capabilities, connections, and credibility they need to
unlock their potential as catalysts of global progress. To
fulfill its mission, VVGP builds leadership capacity,
facilitates strategic partnerships, recognizes women
leading change and enhances their credibility, and fosters
global connections among women.  It's Global Leadership
Network of women has become the vital voices of our time. 


    For more information, please contact:

     Adam Popat
     Phone: [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

     Mary Yerrick
     Phone: [phone] x3019
     Email: [e-mail]