Greater China GIP

• Taipei
• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Hong Kong

The liberalization of economic policy coupled with an influx of capital from abroad have combined to position the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC) as an emerging world economic power. Now that this huge market has been opened to foreign investment, it is important to see for oneself how its potential is being realized. Meanwhile, the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan has emerged as a world leader in high technology and heavy manufacturing. How these two economic powerhouses sort out their complicated relationship will determine in large part the state of global business in the 21st century.

The China Global Immersion Program offers a comprehensive tour of Greater China, including Taiwan, Hong Kong and the mainland's two most important cities. Through alumni and institutional contacts, students will have the opportunity to develop a solid understanding of the business environment and an appreciation for the ancient Chinese culture.

Particular themes to be addressed during the immersion experience include:

• Government Regulation of Commercial Activity
• Joint Ventures
• Market-Entry Strategies
• Capital Development Structures
• Privatization;
• Special Economic Zones
• Import/Export Issues
• Cross-Strait Relations
• Future of Hong Kong

TAIPEI

The program will begin in Taipei, the capital of the Republic of China on Taiwan. Here the group will meet with leaders in some of the high technology industries for which the country is famous, such as semiconductors & and telecommunications. Participants also will be able to observe firsthand the organization of Taiwanese heavy industry, and learn how the large family businesses are managed. Time will be set aside to discuss how the new political party is affecting the commercial environment and the future of relations with the mainland. Free time will be available to explore the city or the beautiful national parks located in the south-center of the island.

BEIJING

The group will then travel to the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing. Here the focus will be on how the country's economic & political policies affect the domestic & foreign business community. Time will be set aside for visiting key government agencies. The program will also include meetings with representatives from foreign joint ventures, a large state-run industrial enterprise and international organizations. The three-day weekend provides plenty of time to explore such famous sites as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

SHANGHAI

In the third week, the focus is on Shanghai, the commercial center of modern China. After an opening session at the China-European International Business School, you will visit the Pudong New Economic Zone and other local manufacturing enterprises. As a financial center, Shanghai boasts the country's most active stock exchange and will be included as part of a focus on capital formation in China. Past programs have included visits to successful joint ventures and a traditional Chinese hospital. Time will be available to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife along Nanjing Road and the Bund.

HONG KONG

Long known as a center of finance and trade, Hong Kong underwent a major change in 1997. The program will explore the future of this territory as a business center in light of its handover to the PRC. To examine the financial industry, the group will meet with the leaders of some of the most famous institutions in the world, such as Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC and Jardine Fleming. In addition, participants will be introduced to some of the more important family-owned businesses for which Hong Kong is famous. Cross-border visits to manufacturing enterprises in Shenzhen were very successful in last year and will be included again in 2005. Plenty of opportunities to meet with Wharton alumni working in Hong Kong are another important feature of this segment.

Finally, the group will meet during this segment for a final synthesis session to discuss observations and conclusions.

For information, contact the MBA Program Office, 215.898.7604, mbaprogram@wharton.upenn.edu.