Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) has successfully concluded its “Economic Leadership – Win in China” program, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Management (RAM) in Muscat, Oman, on November 20-22, 2023.
The program hosted 40 CEOs from Omani state-owned companies and the private sector, with the goal of equipping them with the necessary skills and insights to successfully navigate the Chinese market, build their capacity to win in and with China, and foster closer business relations between the business communities of the two countries.
Dignitaries such as Her Excellency Li Lingbing, Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Khalifa Albusaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the People’s Republic of China (virtually), His Excellency Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and His Excellency Abdulsalam Mohamed A-Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority were present during the program.
The program kicked off with a lecture from Xiang Bing, CKGSB’s Founding Dean and Professor of China Business and Globalization, examining the intricate landscape of Chinese economic development and its profound global implications. The following days featured a variety of lectures by CKGSB professors and influential leaders, such as CKGSB Professor of Economics and Associate Dean Li Wei, Sinopec’s former Chairman Fu Chengyu and JD.com’s former Chief Strategy Officer Liao Jianwen, on China’s reform and opening up, the experience of Shenzhen as a Special Economic Zone, China’s SOE sector and foreign investment, as well as insights into Chinese e-commerce that may prove useful for Omani businesses, as they expand into China and other overseas markets.
The program also included panel sessions featuring insights and experiences from business leaders invited by CKGSB and RAM. A dedicated session on decision-making and investment behavior in Chinese and Omani companies was included, along with an in-depth discussion centered on the business relations between China and Oman. In addition, the program offered the very well-received ‘Business Clinic’ — advisory sessions that aimed to offer in-depth counsel to Omani business leaders about the Chinese market landscape and how to do business with a rapidly transforming China.
His Excellency Dr. Ali Qassim Al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Management, stated, “The inception of Economic Leadership – Win in China aligns with His Majesty the Sultan’s vision to develop proficient national leaders equipped with advanced capabilities in order to support transformation towards a resilient and sustainable economy. It mirrors the Sultanate of Oman’s dedication to diversify revenue streams, fortify investments, and foster the expansion of both government entities and private enterprises, facilitating their access to local and global markets.”
Dean Xiang Bing also expressed his satisfaction, stating, “As the Founding Dean of CKGSB and a member of the International Advisory Board of the Royal Academy of Management, I am delighted that our strong partnership led to a significant stride in fostering closer business relations between China and Oman. This collaborative effort strives to deepen mutual understanding and explore joint opportunities between Omani enterprises and Chinese businesses. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Academy of Management for their initiative, trust, and invaluable support, pivotal in launching this pioneering program.”
