China Conference.

A delegation of five, high-level officials and business leaders have confirmed their travel from China to participate as speakers in the second Doing Business with China Conference to be held May 3 at the Valencia Hyatt. They will join more than a dozen highly authoritative speakers from the United States.

Dena Maloney, Dean of Economic Development at College of the Canyons which is coordinating the one-day conference, says the World Bank estimates by the year 2025, China's economy will account for 25 percent of the total world economy. Maloney says this projection means learning as much as possible about doing Business with China is critical to the continued economic health of California businesses.

This year's conference, Expanding Business with China, follows the successful 2004 inaugural conference, Exploring Business with China. It is designed to support people already experienced with China as well as those seeking preliminary information, or just wanting to understand the challenges of the new global economy.

The organizers of the conference traveled to Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai in October 2004, making business connections that helped expand and enhance the conference.

Attendees will hear from the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology on the ways that Advanced Technology is creating a "bridge of cooperation" between the U.S. and China. Representatives from Shanghai and Hangzhou will give briefings on their respective cities and the resources that are available to assist U.S. companies seeking to do business there.

Keynote, plenary and breakout sessions will provide pertinent, hands-on information and experience from people who are experts on China and how to do business in Asia.

Among the speakers are Dr. Barry N. Haughton, UCSD professor of Chinese Economy, an expert who has authored numerous books on the Chinese economy and its rapid transformation. He will speak on "China, Opportunity with Caution." Luncheon speaker Dr. Nancy Sidhu, Senior Economist, LA Economic Development Corporation will speak on "China: Opportunities and Challenges.

Conference attendees are invited to a cocktail reception after the conference during which speakers and delegates will be available to network and address specific questions about business with China.

Online registration and more information are available at www.chinabusinessconference.com, or call the Economic Development Division at College of the Canyons by calling [phone].