Press Release
China Europe Business Group meeting
15 Mar 2017
Grant Thornton: Priority to be given to strategic development and emergence of new cross-border business collaboration opportunities between China and Europe
On March 13th and 14th, 2017, Grant Thornton held a two-day conference at its premises devoted to strategic development and emergence of new cross-border business opportunities involving Chine and Europe.
The conference was attended by key management executives of Grant Thornton global network as well as its member firms, in particular, those representing China, the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and Greece.
The conference confirmed the establishment of Grant Thornton China Europe Business Group (CEBG), a joint business development initiative aimed at identifying and making the best possible use of new and significant opportunities emerging in Europe, through investments made by Chinese privately and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), also constituting a component of One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative for the purpose of generating transport corridors as well as economic partnerships. CEBG initiative is led by Mr. Panos Vodinas, International Business Director, Grant Thornton China.
Mr. Vasilis Kazas, Grant Thornton Managing Partner, welcomed the attendees and announced the opening of the conference. Mr. Kazas expressed his thanks to everyone responding to the call for the initiative and briefly set out the particular significance of outward-looking entrepreneurship, mentioning that "we are all members of a strong network and a change in mind-set is to guide and inspire development in every local market ".
An extremely interesting point was also made by Mrs. Zhou Ruojun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Greece, who has emphasized that such initiatives will encourage ongoing progressive improvement of Sino-European business relationships.
This initiative aspires to become a major EU-China center, focused on unlocking the potential for business growth through global reach of Grant Thornton network, local expertise and knowledge and integrated teams of executives. Thus, dynamic organizations that consider to expand, will be in position to rely on resources and services rendered by a qualified and trusted advisor, who knows the challenges of Chinese business environment, language and culture and can guide them through this new and exciting market.
Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading firms of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. With 47,000 Grant Thornton people, across more than 140 countries, we are a global leading business adviser that helps dynamic organisations across the world to unlock their potential for growth.Grant Thornton China has a network of 23 offices throughout mainland China and the Hong Kong SAR, its annual turnover stands at $195.9 million and it employs over 4.000 professionals.
(From left to right: Andrew Dickson, Director, Member Firm Development Europe, Grant Thornton International, Kelly Jiang, Executive Director Markets Development, Grant Thornton China, Zhou Ruojun, Economic and commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Panos Vodinas, International Business Director, Grant Thornton China)
For further information please contact:
Marketing & Business Development Department
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E: marketing@gr.gt.com
On March 13th and 14th, 2017, Grant Thornton held a two-day conference at its premises devoted to strategic development and emergence of new cross-border business opportunities involving Chine and Europe.