The Port of Oakland is host and principal sponsor of the Fifth Annual China Conference April 3-4, 2006, presented by Marine Digest and Cargo Business News at the Oakland Marriott City Center. Today China-North America trade is well over $260 billion a year and climbing. "This conference is well-timed to provide a forum for significant points of view and expertise on trade with China," stated the President of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners Kenneth S. Katzoff. "We are pleased to sponsor this event which will offer the latest information available about opportunities for new business, logistics, challenges and solutions regarding China trade," added Katzoff.

Port of Oakland Executive Director Jerry Bridges commented, "Industry experts are anticipating that trade with Asia will double by 2020 and imports to the US will triple. China is a significant contributor to global business and is continuing to expand its role as an international trading partner with North America. It's important for all of us to prepare for the future and this conference will help us do just that."

According to published reports, three of the top ports by volume of business and seven of the fastest-growing ports in the world are in China. "This means exceptional opportunities are available for new business related to imports, exports, shipping, rail, trucking and of course container ports," remarked the Port of Oakland's Director of Maritime Wilson Lacy. "Our overall volume of business at the Port of Oakland grew by approximately 11% in 2005 and increasing trade with China is one of the drivers of that growth," said Lacy.

Crucial topics on China-North America commerce will be presented and discussed at the conference including:

  • China-North America economic, trade and policy issues
  • China-North America Transportation Leaders' Forum
  • China Shipper Case Studies - supply chain business models
  • China's Distribution Network
  • China's Emerging Middle Class and What China is Buying

High profile speakers and attendees include:

Welcoming remarks - Kenneth S. Katzoff, President, Oakland Board of Port Commissioners; Jerry Bridges, Executive Director, Port of Oakland; Opening Keynote - Howard Finkel, Vice President, COSCO Americas (Inc.);

Keynote and special presentation - James McGregor - Author, One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business in China.

Speakers/moderators:

Jon Chorley, Vice President, Supply Chain Execution and Product Management Strategy, Oracle;

Dominic Ng, Chairman & CEO, East West Bancorp;

David Louie, Commentator, MONEYscope Reporter, ABC 7 News;

Tim Roach, Vice President, International Marketing, E & J Gallo Corp.;

Ben Hackett, Executive Managing Director, Global Insight;

Clarence Kwan, Managing Partner, China Services Group, Deloitte & Touche;

Peter Hurme, Publisher, Marine Digest and Cargo Business News;

Joseph Wong, Deputy Executive Director, Port of Oakland;

Charlie Woo, CEO, Megatoys;

MK Wong, Director, Refrigerated Services, OOCL;

Steve Branscum, Group Vice President, Consumer Products, BNSF;

John Bowe, President, Americas, APL;

John Cheng, Honorary Advisor, China Container Railway Transport Center, Division of China Ministry of Railroads;

Willy S.M. Lin, Chairman, Hong Kong Shipper's Council; Honorary Chairman, Hong Kong Knitwear Exporters & Manufacturers Association;

Michael Gallis, Michael Gallis & Associates

Doug Tilden, CEO, President, Marine Terminals Corp.;

Eric Watkins, Editor, Marine Digest and Cargo Business News;

Julia Saia, Director, Global Supply Performance, The Home Depot;

J. Kevin Denman, Vice President, Marketing, Maersk Inc.;

Michael Daigle, President and CEO, Northwest Publishing Center;

Anthony On, Logistics Manager, Funai Corporation;

Simon Galpin, Associate Director General, InvestHK;

David Bennett, Vice President, Sales & Development, Globe Express Services;

Bill Overholt, Director, Center for Asi