China Political Changes and Challenges - Dr Geoff Raby 28/09/2011

China: Political Changes and Challenges

Prof. Geoff Raby, former Australian Ambassador to China

Wednesday 28 September, 2011

6pm – 7.30pm

KPMG

161 Collins Street, Melbourne

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

 

Prof. Geoff Raby brings a unique perspective to understanding China, based on his most recent experience as Australia’s Ambassador in Beijing and before that as Australia’s chief trade negotiator.  Drawing on his depth of experience, this is an opportunity to hear Prof. Raby outline his views on China, at a moment of time when it is poised for a generational change in leadership.  This should not be missed by those who want a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that the impending changes will bring.

A great deal is at stake in how Australia engages with China, our largest trading partner.  As Europe and the US struggle under a mountain of debt and faltering growth, the locus of economic power is shifting rapidly eastward, centred on China.  For Australia, the ongoing strength of the Chinese economy will continue to power our mineral exports, with consequential benefits for this country.  At the same time, China’s rise as a global power raises new and complex issues with which Australia will need to grapple.  As China increasingly comes to dominate Australia’s strategic and economic future, how we engage with her will be of critical importance to our future. 

Prof. Raby was Australia’s Ambassador to China from 2007 until his recent retirement in August this year.  His previous appointments include: Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) until November 2006; First Assistant Secretary, International Organisations and Legal Division (2001-2002); Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation, Geneva (1998-2001); First Assistant Secretary, Trade Negotiations Division (1995-1998); and Australia’s APEC Ambassador (2002-2004).  Prof. Raby is now a consultant resident in Beijing and holds the degrees of BEc (Hons), MEc and PhD from La Trobe University.