Organizers: CKGSB, European Chamber
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: 14:00 – 17:00 pm Beijing Time
Location: European Chamber Shanghai Office
Address: Unit 2204, 22 Floor, Shui On Plaza, 333 Huai Hai Zhong Road, Shanghai
As a pivotal platform for China’s annual policy formulation, the 2026 Two Sessions (the First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the First Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) will set the tone for the country’s economic and social development in the coming years. Against the backdrop of evolving global economic patterns and deepening China-EU cooperation.
The Two Sessions hold significance for the international business community as they will establish the political and economic direction for China for 2026. In the preceding provincial Two Sessions, some key themes will be Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation” – Discussing policy trends in AI, big data, and smart manufacturing, while seeking progress while maintaining stability, consolidating the foundation for economic recovery, and expanding high-level opening-up will be the main areas of focus.
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China cordially invites you on 17th March for in-depth analysis and insights into the implications of the Two Sessions on businesses, the economy and the future of China.
Panelists:
Moderator:
Phone: +86 10 8518 8858 ext. 3235
E-mail: wli@ckgsb.edu.cn
Professor of Economics, Associate Dean for Asia and Oceania, Director of Case Center and Director of Big Data Economic Research Center, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB)
PhD, University of Michigan
Areas of Expertise: Corruption, Financial Markets, Macroeconomics, Managerial Incentives and Market Competition, Real Estate, Reform, Taxation, Telecommunications Privatization, Valuation in Emerging Markets
Dr. Li is Professor of Economics, Associate Dean for Asia and Oceania, Director of Case Center, and Director of Big Data Economic Research Center at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). Before joining CKGSB, Dr. Li was Professor of Business Administration (with tenure) at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia, where he has served on the faculty since 2000. Since 2005, Dr. Li has also served as visiting Professor of Economics on the faculty of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. Before joining Darden faculty, Dr. Li was assistant professor and then associate professor of business administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business from 1994 to 2000. He was also a visiting professor of strategy at Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management in 2004. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan and his B.Eng. from Shanghai Jiaotong University (China).
An authority on Chinese economy and business, Dr. Li’s main research focus is on economic development, taxation, financial markets, corruption, corporate governance, corporate research and development, entrepreneurship, trade and investment in China. His work has been published in prominent academic journals and books, and some of his research results have also been featured in Foreign Affairs, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and on CNNfn (CNN Money) and Bloomberg TV. Professor Li has extensive consulting experience with multinational firms, Chinese firms, and the World Bank.
Dr. Li has taught Macroeconomics, Global Economies and Markets, Managerial Economics, and Emerging Markets Finance in MBA, Finance MBA, EMBA, and Global EMBA, and Executive Education programs.
With 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, William Chen has spent half of his career with multinational companies specializing in Public Affairs and Policy, and the other half with a publicly listed biotech firm, serving as Corporate Secretary and Vice President of Investor Relations.
He brings deep expertise in government affairs, policy shaping, business development, and strategic partnerships, with a strong track record in advancing market access, managing investor communications, and driving cross-border collaborations. His background bridges both global innovation environments and China’s dynamic biotech landscape, enabling him to translate policy and business insights into actionable growth strategies.
Key strengths include:
• Government & Public Affairs Strategy
• Policy Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
• Corporate Governance & Capital Market Communication
• Business Development, Licensing & Deal Execution
Alicia García Herrero is the Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at French investment bank Natixis, based in Hong Kong and is an independent Board Member of AGEAS insurance group. Alicia also serves as Senior Fellow at the European think-tank BRUEGEL and as a non-resident Senior Follow at the East Asian Institute (EAI) of the National University Singapore (NUS). Alicia is also Adjunct Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Finally, Alicia is and an advisor to the Spanish government on economic affairs, a Member of the Board of the Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation (CAPRI), a member of the Advisory Board of the Berlin-based Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), an advisor to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s research arm (HKIMR) and a Member of the Council of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation (FUF).
In previous years, Alicia held the following positions: Chief Economist for Emerging Markets at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Member of the Asian Research Program at the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), Head of the International Economy Division of the Bank of Spain, Member of the Counsel to the Executive Board of the European Central Bank, Head of Emerging Economies at the Research Department at Banco Santander, and Economist at the International Monetary Fund. As regards her academic career, Alicia has served as visiting Professor at John Hopkins University (SAIS program), China-Europe International Business School (CEIBS) and Carlos III University.
Alicia holds a PhD in Economics from George Washington University and has published extensively in refereed journals and books (see her publications in ResearchGate, Google Scholar, SSRN or REPEC). Alicia is very active in international media (such as BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC and CNN) as well as social media (LinkedIn and Twitter). As a recognition of her thought leadership, Alicia was included in the TOP Voices in Economy and Finance by LinkedIn in 2017 and #6 Top Social Media leader by Refinitiv in 2020.
