As global markets become more tightly interconnected, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders are paying close attention to the evolution of the Chinese economy and its expanding role in world trade. At an ever-increasing pace, China is gaining power and influence in the global arena. The 2007 HYSTA (Hua Yuan Science and Technology Association) Annual Conference will give you the opportunity to explore this phenomenon along with other engaged and forward-looking business and technology leaders.

This year's theme is appropriately titled "China, Globalization, and the Shifting Global Power Equation". This one-day VIP-studded conference hails keynote speakers such as former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Yahoo! co-Founder Jerry Yang and KPCB's partner John Doerr. The discussions promise to challenge us to think beyond our comfort zones as we focus on larger global issues and business models.

One trend that reflects the shifting global power equation is that U.S. companies are no longer going to China for cheap labor, but rather to hire local talent and expertise so that they can better understand and compete in the global market. Our speakers will share insightful stories relating to U.S. companies' expansion into China and address the lessons learned in the process. They will also discuss in-depth ways to strengthen Chinese companies as they mature in the competitive global economy.

In addition to strictly economic considerations, the conference will give us a chance to pause and ponder the small world we live in. The program highlights the issue of global warming, for which Al Gore has become an ardent spokesperson. It also seeks to answer questions on how entrepreneurs and executives can maneuver through the interplay of business innovation, social consequences, and environmental changes. Consider this: If we succeed in placing a high priority on the problems caused by global warming in the United States, but do not simultaneously work on solving the problem in China, our efforts will be largely negated.

From my personal involvement with HYSTA I have been able to fully appreciate this conference's well-earned reputation as the premier venue for networking, learning and exchanging ideas about doing business in the U.S. and China. It has been a particular honor for me to serve as chairperson of this year's event, to which so many volunteers and sponsors have contributed their ideas, energy, and resources.

Looking at the current environment, we may wonder if we live in the best of times or the worst of times. On this occasion, all of us at HYSTA invite you to participate with us in helping to indeed make this the best of times for ourselves, our companies, the global economy, and the world we live in.

Welcome to the conference!

Jack Xu

2007 HYSTA Annual Conference Chair
Vice President of Engineering & Research, eBay Fellow, eBay Inc.