Specialists examine competition online

June 06, 2009 | BY

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China Law & Practice held its first live web-seminar on April 29. Its next will be on June 25 and will focus on the PRC Employment Contract Law

On April 29, China Law & Practice held its first live web-seminar. The 60-minute discussion of China merger-control enforcement attracted almost 100 viewers.

During the web-seminar, Dr Zhan Hao of Grandall Legal Group, Marc Waha of Norton Rose and Simon Sorockyj from Pinsent Masons presented their thoughts on the topic, with CLP editor Phil Taylor moderating the debate.

Viewers were given the opportunity to submit their questions to the panellists. Of the questions received, the speakers were able to give immediate answers to three, their only limitation being time.

The web-seminar also included a live poll in which the audience was asked to provide its opinions on the fairness of the Ministry of Commerce's decision in the Coca-Cola/Huiyuan Juice deal. Over 40% of listeners felt generally positive about the decision, but 39% said there was “not enough justification provided” and 14% said it was “overly-protectionist”.

The web-seminar poll results gave the panellists a unique opportunity to respond directly to public opinion, and allowed the audience to directly participate in the debate.

Further web-seminars are planned for 2009, and include discussions of restructuring and insolvency under the PRC Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, and the use of arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution in mainland China.

True knowledge sharing
Web-seminars are a unique way to learn about some of the most important issues facing investors and their counsel working in mainland China. As well as providing a forum for debate among leading legal practitioners, the online format allows audience participation. Viewers can vote in polls, share comments and send in questions

CLP's next web-seminar will take place on Thursday, June 25 at 5 p.m. (Hong Kong time), and will focus on the PRC Employment Contract Law. The Law is on the minds of all counsel advising companies with operations in China, perhaps more than ever since it was originally promulgated on January 1 2008.

The Employment Law has strengthened the rights of employees, giving them the opportunity to take their disputes to employment tribunals. Workers are more aware of their rights and unions have increased their presence in foreign-invested companies.

During the 60-minute web-seminar, panellists will discuss:

• the impact of the Law and the implementing regulations issued in September 2008;

• the rules covering individual and so-called economic lay-offs;

• how contracts can be terminated under PRC law;

• the rise of employment tribunals; and

• the trends that are emerging among companies struggling to stay afloat.

Confirmed speakers include Joseph Deng, special counsel with Baker & McKenzie; Shawn Zhao, senior corporate counsel, China, with Google; and CLP editor Phil Taylor.

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