In the beginning of the new year 2008, the members of the Chamber of International Commerce in Ningbo did hold their general meeting for electing the Board and Executive Board of the chamber. The meeting was held at the separate room in the Bar of the newly decorated and partially reopened Crowne Plaza Hotel in the center of Ningbo. If you do not yet know, it is the former Mirage or Kai Zhou hotel. The atmosphere was relaxed and the members enjoyed getting together for this important meeting. In the beginning a review of the last year was done and the goals for this year 2008 were discussed. The Chamber of International Commerce will be strengthening the ties with the people and official organizations in Ningbo and building the bridge between Chinese and Foreigners culture and interests . This will be naturally, by the purpose of the chamber, happening mainly in the business related areas, but the chamber will be also actively participating and organizing charity and cultural events. An important point of the meeting was also to create a Board and Executive Board of the

chamber, so the activities can be professionally organized and arranged by the members and liaison. The board nominated and voted unanimously on the following person for the Executive Board: Mr. Eckhard Goessl- Chairman, Mrs. Evelyn Groemminger- Vice Chairwomen, Mr. Samy Snoussi - Secretary General, Mr. Gabor Nezner- Treasurer and Ms. Li Bing for liaison affairs (extended board). In addition 2 more Expats are joining the board as voting members.

Before closing the meeting the final preparations for the seminar organized by the chamber of International Commerce were discussed, to ensure a professional and smooth procedure, making it a success for all attending.

The seminar will be lectured about the new and changed China Tax law and the special benefits of the Beilun free trade zone, which will be even more important in its function in the coming years. Finally a long evening came to an end with a dinner at the noodle restaurant, as most other restaurants had closed already. For foreign nationals that want to join the Chamber of International commerce, please visit the website at www.coicningbo.com and download the application. There you also can find details how to get in touch with us and where you can meet us for our next Wednesday dinner.

Written by Evelyn Groemminger Vice Chairwoman COIC Ningbo