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 confront 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

China's Vision for China
--Gao Xiqing, Vice-Chairman, China National Council for Social Security Fund, Beijing

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 Session:

China, U.S. and Asia: An Ambassadorial Perspective
--His Excellency Yang Jiechi, China's Ambassador to the U.S. (Invited)
--The Honorable James Sasser, former U.S. Ambassador to China (Invited)
--The Honorable Burton Levin, Sit Professor of Asian Affairs, Carleton College, and former Consul General to Hong Kong.

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 Sponsors:
3M Corporation
Cooperating Organizations:
Chinese American Business Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Trade Office, Midwest Global Trade Association, U.S. Commercial Service