The global and China operating environment is entering 2026 with a new mix of pressures and opportunities: shifting growth expectations, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving policy signals are all influencing how multinational corporations (MNCs) plan investment, manage risk, and communicate priorities to global headquarters. In this context, a clearer read on macro direction—both globally and within China—can help business leaders validate key planning assumptions, anticipate turning points, and adjust strategies with greater confidence.
We are pleased to invite you to an exclusive seminar featuring two guest speakers: Mr. Weisi Xie, Director at The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network, and Mr. Alex Zhou, Consultant at China Macro Group. Drawing on their respective perspectives, the speakers will offer timely insights and structured takeaways to support strategic planning for 2026—supporting both Norway/headquarters-based decision-makers and management teams on the ground in China in aligning on priorities and translating local realities into clear, decision-ready input for global discussions.
The session will cover several themes, including:
- 2026 global economic outlook
- China outlook and key watchpoints in 2026
- Policy priorities and forward guidance
- Preview of China's new five-year plan
- Chinas evolving approach to export controls
- Implications for MNC strategy
This event is part of our China Outlook series, tailored for NBA member company executives both in China and at their international headquarters. The seminar aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps and enhance the ability of managers in China to effectively communicate the realities of the local market to their global counterparts. By gaining a deeper understanding of the current economic climate, companies will be better positioned to adapt their strategies and drive success in China.
The seminar will be followed by an interactive Q&A and networking session, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives with peers and discuss practical implications for their organizations.
We warmly welcome NBA members to join this timely discussion.
Date: 27 January 2026
Time: 17:30 – 18:00 Registration
18:00 - 19:30 Presentation Q&A
19:30 – Dinner
Venue:
Online: Microsoft Teams
Offline: 5F, Garden Studio 1+2, Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, No.88 Song Shan Road, Huang Pu District, Shanghai
五楼 花园1+2号厅, 上海新天地安达仕酒店, 上海市黄浦区嵩山路88号
This seminar is crafted to provide key insights for international headquarters to comprehend China's business landscape.
Feel free to forward this invitation to colleagues abroad who might benefit.
Speakers
Weisi Xie
Director of Economist Intelligence Corporate Network
Weisi Xie is the Shanghai Director at the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network (EICN),
and is responsible for engaging with top executives in the region on key economic and
political issues as well as industry-specific analysis to support their businesses in the dynamic
Chinese market.
Mr Xie served as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University
before joining EICN. As a trained trade economist, his teaching and research mainly focused
on the fields of international trade, industrial economics and economic development, with a
particular emphasis on China’s economy in a global perspective. He also possesses extensive
expertise in the non-profit sector through work experience with think tanks and international
organisations, including the Shanghai Institute for National Economy and the World Trade
Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he contributed to multiple government
counselling projects and policy studies. His work has appeared in leading academic journals
as well as major economic policy publications.
Mr Xie has a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a B.A. in
International Business from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
Alex Zhou
Consultant at China Macro Group
Alex is specialized in tracking and analyzing China’s macro policymaking (development and reform policymaking), economic policymaking (industrial, S&T, finance, infrastructure and data) as well as macroeconomic management. Prior to CMG, Alex worked for the Postal Savings Bank of China (HQ), the International Data Corporation (Beijing) as well as Liquidity Capital Co., Ltd., a tech-investor, conducting market and company research to evaluate investment opportunities in banking, ICT, enterprise services and Fintech.
Alex holds a Master's Degree in International Political Economy from Nanyang Technological University Singapore, as well as a Master's Degree in European and Chinese Business Management from the University of Zurich.
