John, a senior executive with Satellite Industries, ran their Japanese operations in an industry renowned for its traditional ways. He will discuss the differences between a traditional Japanese business structure and the more modern, individualistic workforce. Ikuko will speak about the expectations of society in regard to her role as both a mother and a small-business owner>

MIC and Cargill invite you to join us on April 16 as prominent government and business leaders address the most important issues facing China and its relations with the United States today. By some economic measures, China has the second-largest economy in the world, and it is the fourth-largest trading partner for both the United States and Minnesota. As China's economy continues to grow, it is imperative for us all to understand the continuing shifts in the geopolitical landscape of the region and the potential impact for Minnesota and the United States. Our distinguished roster of speakers will share insights gained from years of experience working in China to address these issues, with a focus on the key business and cultural challenges U.S. and Chinese companies continue to face in developing and maintaining mutually beneficial partnerships.

AGENDA
7:30 A.M. Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 A.M. Welcome and Introduction
--Warren Staley, Chairman and CEO, Cargill Inc.
--Counsul General Xu Jinzhong, Chinese Consulate General, Chicago
--Katherine Youngblood, President, Minnesota International Center

Morning Sessions:

China Today: Political, Economic, and Social Challenges
--Harry Harding, Dean, Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University

China and the Global Economy: An Investment Manager's Perspective
--Eugene Sit, Chairman, Sit Investment Associates

Doing Business in China: Cultural and Human Factors
--Shirley Young, President, Shirley Young Associates, and Senior Adviser, General Motors-Asia Pacific

The View From China
--Gao Xiqing, Vice-Chairman, China National Council for Social Security Fund, Beijing
--James McGregor, Senior Counsellor, Ogilvy Asia Pacific, and Managing Director, Vermilion Ventures

U.S.-China Business Partnerships: Overcoming Market Challenges
--Arthur D. Collins, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Medtronic, Inc.
--Stephen W. Sanger, Chairman and CEO, General Mills, Inc.
--Warren R. Staley, Chairman and CEO, Cargill Inc.
Introducer: The Honorable Norm Coleman, U.S. Senator, Minnesota
Moderator: George Martin, Partner, Greater China Practice, Faegre & Benson LLP

Networking Lunch

Afternoon Sessions:

U.S.-China Economic and Trade Cooperation
--Dai Yunlou, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, Embassy of China

China, U.S. and Asia: An Ambassadorial Perspective
--The Honorable Burton Levin, Sit Professor of Asian Affairs, Carleton College, and former Consul General to Hong Kong.
--The Honorable Walter Mondale, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan
--The Honorable James Sasser, former U.S. Ambassador to China

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Minnesota International Center program is made possible in part by:
Senior Sponsors:
Cargill Inc. (Host), Carlson Companies, Inc., Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Faegre & Benson LLP, General Mills, Inc., Northwest Airlines, Sit Investments Associates, Inc., The St. Paul Companies, Inc.
Supporting Sponsor: 3M Corporation
Cooperating Organizations:
China Center, Chinese American Association of Minnesota, Chinese American Business Association of Minnesota, Committee of 100, Midwest Global Trade Association, Minnesota Trade Office, Organization of Chinese Americans, U.S. Commercial Service

A devastating health crisis has ravaged the population of Henan province in China. In the early 1990s, the provincial government in Henan sanctioned the sale of human blood as a way to provide additional income to the people of this poor, rural province. Today, it is estimated that over one million people are dying of AIDS in Henan – up to 40% of the population of some villages. The victims are often couples who, 10 years ago, sought only to improve the lives of their children by selling their blood in a program sanctioned by their government. In a terrible twist of fate, those children are becoming orphans today and are in dire need of humanitarian aid.

In response to this crisis, the Minneapolis-based China AIDS Orphan Fund has invited Hong Kong-based activist Chung To to speak to the community about the conditions in Henan. Mr. To is a Harvard-educated business professional and founder of the Chi Heng Foundation, which currently works directly with the people – especially the orphans – of Henan. Under Mr. To’s leadership, the foundation has sponsored hundreds of orphans in multiple villages to ensure that these children can attend school and build a brighter future despite the loss of their parents. In addition, the foundation provides resources to prevent the spread of the epidemic and emergency assistance to the afflicted families.

Mr. To has extensive, hands-on experience with the devastating conditions of Henan. His visit to the Twin Cities presents a rare opportunity to help humanize the crisis that has afflicted this province, and to educate members of an already concerned community as to how they can help.

For further information, please contact the China AIDS Orphan Fund: Rebecca del Carmen at 612.377.4794, or Dawn Lindquist at 612-672-3874. The event is co-sponsored by the China AIDS Orphan Fund, the China Center of the University of Minnesota, and MIC.

The Minnesota Trade Office is sponsoring a day-long program intended for business leaders who want to know more about the intricacies of doing bussiness with Japan, the world's second largest economy. A team of experienced private sector and government business professionals will cover such basics as the Japanese economy, Japanese business culture, strategies for entering the Japanese market and negotiating. Participants will learn practical skills and gain valuable insights necessary to make doing business with Japan more comfortable, productive and successful.

MIC is cosponsor of this program. For more information, contact Inkie Brons at 651.297.4228 or inkie.brons@state.mn.us. To register, contact Gloria Henck at 651.297.3920 or 800-657-3858, or e-mail Gloria.henck@state.mn.us.