This is a past event. Registration is closed. View other British Chamber of Commerce in China events.

Join us for a timely discussion exploring where, how, and in which sectors Chinese firms are expanding their global footprint. Convened by the British Chamber of Commerce in China with the support of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, this event will examine the evolving drivers of outbound investment, shifting market dynamics, and how both trade tensions and broader geopolitical conflicts are encouraging or intimidating investors.

As Chinese companies navigate increasingly complex regulatory, financial, and operational environments abroad, the session will also explore the role of professional expertise in enabling successful internationalisation. With a focus on investment in Europe and the UK, the discussion will highlight how governance, standards, and cross-border capabilities underpin sustainable expansion, offering practical insights for businesses engaging with China's next wave of global growth.


The event ticket includes complimentary drinks and nibbles. Please note this event will be held in both English and Chinese without translation services and in accordance with the Chatham House rule.

Agenda

Registration

Registration

Welcome Remarks
Azlina Bulmer
  • Azlina Bulmer (Director of International at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW))

    Azlina Bulmer

    Director of International at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

    Bulmer recently joined ICAEW as International Director and she is part of ICAEW Leadership Team. Azlina has the overall responsibility of ICAEW’s international offices and operations to ensure that
    ICAEW continues to provide a high-quality service to our members, students and stakeholders across the globe.

    Most recently, Azlina was Managing Director and a member of the Board of Directors at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional body for the automotive sector. During her 12 months leading IMI she returned the Institute to profit. Previously she held the position of Executive Director of Membership & Engagement at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) with responsibility for CII’s membership activities and engagement programmes in the UK and internationally.

    Prior to the CII, Azlina was the Director of International at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) where she set up the RIBA’s first international directorate in 2019 and led on the expansion of the RIBA’s operations and profiling in target markets in Middle East and China. She joined the RIBA in January 2016 as Head of Operations, Nations & Regions managing the operations of the RIBA’s 10 UK regions.

    Azlina’s early career included public sector work in economic and community development which was followed by seven years working at a social investment bank. She is currently an associate non-executive director on the Board at Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust and has held several non-executive director roles previously including Chair of Finance & Estate Committee at University College of Osteopathy and Chair of The Works UK.

    More information about speaker
The New Wave
Annie Hao
  • Annie Hao (Director of Brunswick Group)

    Annie Hao

    Director of Brunswick Group

    Annie specializes in corporate positioning, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement, advising companies navigating high-stakes transactions, government scrutiny, and reputational risk. With deep experience in antitrust, merger reviews, and compliance communications, she is a trusted advisor to leadership teams facing complex political, legal, and public challenges.

    She has played a central role in some of the world’s most closely watched transactions in China, helping companies shape engagement strategies, anticipate regulatory concerns, and align messaging across regulators, media, and key stakeholders globally. Her expertise also spans regulatory investigations, compliance crises, and sensitive disputes, where she advises on narrative development, stakeholder mapping, and government engagement.

    Known for managing issues under pressure, Annie helps clients maintain message discipline, build support, and reinforce credibility. She also brings extensive experience shaping corporate narratives across complex media environments, ensuring alignment with business, legal, and policy objectives.
    With deep insight into China’s regulatory and political landscape, Annie helps clients anticipate challenges, mitigate risk, and build long-term trust with government stakeholders.
    Before joining Brunswick in 2015, Annie worked at Edelman in Beijing, advising foreign firms in financial services and asset management on corporate affairs strategy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Sichuan University and a Master’s in Global Journalism from the University of Sheffield.

    More information about speaker
The Investor Perspective
Wu Liqun FCA

Please note this session will be held in Chinese language only without translation

  • Wu Liqun FCA (Deputy GM & CFO at CNPC Capital Company Ltd.)

    Wu Liqun FCA

    Deputy GM & CFO at CNPC Capital Company Ltd.
Panel Discussion
Azlina BulmerXu TianchenChris TorrensZhou Zhaofeng
  • Azlina Bulmer (Director of International at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW))

    Azlina Bulmer

    Director of International at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
  • Xu Tianchen (Senior Economist at Economist Intelligence Unit)

    Xu Tianchen

    Senior Economist at Economist Intelligence Unit
  • Chris Torrens (Chair at British Chamber of Commerce in China)

    Chris Torrens

    Chair at British Chamber of Commerce in China
  • Zhou Zhaofeng (Managing Partner at Field Fisher)

    Zhou Zhaofeng

    Managing Partner at Field Fisher
Networking & Nibbles

Location

Hotel Jen Beijing by Shangri-La 新国贸饭店
Jianguomen Outer Street 1号
Beijing Shi, China

See route

Contact us

For additional event or venue information, please send an email to graeme.wallace@britishchamber.cn

Sponsors and Partners