Everyone in Vancouver, if they're smart, is either dreaming about or actually attempting to gain business opportunities in China. With the Beijing Summer Olympics just two years away, and Vancouver playing host for the next Winter Games, it seems fairly obvious that local Vancouver companies would be trying to string together a plan to gain fortuity around the timing of the Games; lest we forget that China is quickly becoming a global economic leader to boot.

It would seem easy for larger corporations to venture into this somewhat unknown territory and capitalize on the ease and infrastructure already set in place for business in China. But what about the little guys? The smaller local companies that see the possibilities, recognize the opportunity, but feel they have no real avenue to collaborate with other small businesses, or better still, they feel that it's an effort and a scope that may be implausible.

Two such guys are "defying the odds" and jumping into this advantageous opportunity. Robert Scales from Raincity Studios and Kris Krug from Bryght, two of Vancouver's successful new media and technology companies, are heading over to China to do just that: gain business knowledge and capitalize on the opportunities - and there are possibilities that are completely attainable.

Kris and Robert will be attending a business forum organized by China Access 2008 next week on Wednesday, May 24th, prior to departing for China, directed at the Vancouver business community that will focus on providing a comprehensive strategy for opportunities in China, while also opening up the accessibility for Chinese companies to work in BC as well.

There will be a vast number of panelists and guests that have an abundance of useful knowledge on successfully acquiring business in China.

Rashid Ahmed, CEO of Optima Health Solutions, will share his experience of recently establishing a joint venture with one of the largest hospitals in China, and is close to finalizing another deal with a medical institution in Beijing using technology developed in BC.

Neall Ryon, CEO of Stratex, will also be a part of a panel discussion. Neall visited China in the fall 2005 and has already initiated an engineering design business.

Maureen McKinnon of McKinnon Consulting Group is putting together the forum. She is optimistic that this venue will provide local businesses the chance to meet the people on the ground, adding "The focus is getting business done. These people have been to China and set up businesses and can share their knowledge".

The forum will provide an understanding in how Chinese businesses function and operate, the on-the-ground know-how and negotiating power, all from people who are doing it now with success.

You can register for the event right here on the China Access site and read more about the panelists and agenda.

Mark it on your upcoming.org account as well.