On March 29, 2022, 7:00pm – 8:30pm EDT, the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) hosted the fourth event in the “Navigating China’s 14th FYP by Sector” series, in partnership with the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network. This session focused on the Education sector and was designed to strengthen the ability of Canadian businesses to assess risks and opportunities with regards China’s 14^th Five Year Plan (FYP) to improve their competitiveness in the China market. It was led by Mattie Bekink, China Director for the Economist Corporate Network

The link to the video presentation is available upon request. Please contact your regional Chapter Director to request access:

• Atlantic: Edward Dai
• Quebec: Philippe Jeanneau
• Ontario: Jeff Zhang
• Prairies/Nunavut/NWT: Philippe Jeanneau
• BC/Yukon: Philippe Jeanneau
• Beijing: Noah Fraser
• Shanghai: Edward Dai

The 14th Five-Year Plan and its associated sub-plans (such as the Provincial FYPs and Ministerial FYPs) provides a broad overview of key government targets and policy directives. This “blueprint” can be used by foreign firms to identify clues and opportunities across a range of sectors, including Education.

Ms. Bekink noted the recent announcement that Chinese online-education companies were no longer to turn a profit or “use offshore vehicles that enable their shares to be traded abroad.” This is part of a larger push to promote equality across China, a key piece of context for any foreign firm with operations in the country. Further, new regulatory hurdles and difficulty attracting Chinese students could present new challenges.

The 14^th FYP, which places an emphasis on high quality, inclusive education, does, however, still provide opportunities for foreign educational entities operating in the country. For example, China’s Ministry of Education released a policy document in 2021 promoting the “establishment of Sino-foreign cooperative education” in “areas with a strong economic and educational foundation.” There is also a push to promote vocational education in the country, and international cooperation is encouraged via the relevant Action Plan

One interesting opportunity could come via China’s Free Trade Zones, which are “seen as places for innovation and experimentation.” This enabled the development of the first foreign-owned higher education institution in China, which offers courses in areas that synchronize with China’s focus on the digital economy/automation. Overall, successful initiatives from Canadian firms will likely help China solve a challenge in the educational sector and/or advance sectoral goals over the 14^th FYP.

Registration was $25+HST for CCBC members, $50+HST for non-members. Simultaneous French interpretation was available for each session.

CCBC thanks CanExport Associations for partial funding support for this program.

Education Sponsor:

About the speaker:

Mattie Bekink
China Director
Economist Intelligence Corporate Network

Ms. Bekink is responsible for the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network’s China strategy, including programme development and client servicing across China.

Ms. Bekink has extensive experience in the public, private and policy sectors. Prior to joining The Economist Group, she was the Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in the Netherlands. She also ran an eponymous consulting business, advising businesses, universities and non-profit organisations on China policy, strategy, public affairs, and CSR. Ms. Bekink practiced law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, has worked with the US-Asia Law Initiative at NYU Law School and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative China Program, and served in the legal department at General Motors China.

Ms. Bekink has a BA in International Relations from Stanford University and a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center.