"After surviving the 1997 Asian financial crisis, overseas Chinese entrepreneurs in the region have readjusted themselves andbegan to recover. However, the new century's new technology and information revolution is posing a new challenge to the traditional Chinese ways of doing business," Boonsong Srifuengfung,chairman of the Thai Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said in his opening address to the forum here.

The one-day forum, titled as "Opportunities and Challenges for Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs in the 21st Century", is organized by several local Chinese-language media and is attended by over 300 businessmen and experts from Thailand and some other Asian countries and regions.

"Therefore, overseas Chinese businessmen should adapt themselves quickly to the new century, or they will lose chances for further development, " said Boonsong.

He especially reminded participants that China, with its fast-growing economy and its recent entry into the World Trade Organization, is providing immense opportunities for all overseas Chinese entrepreneurs.

"Since overseas Chinese businessmen have many advantages to do business in China compared with other foreign investors, they should actively participate in China's economic development for the benefit and revival of the whole Chinese nation, " said Boonsong.

Xu Shijun, a famous business management expert from China's Taiwan province, told the forum that to seize opportunities of thenew century, overseas Chinese entrepreneurs need to preserve theirgood traditions such as thrift, quick integration into local society, high commitment and trust, respect to family and high endurance, while integrating themselves into the global economy.

"In the new era of the knowledge-based economy, overseas Chinese businessmen will know that it is very important for them to have a global vision, use new technology and skills, recruit more professional personal and enhance cooperation with business counterparts around the world, " he noted.

During the one-day gathering, participants also discussed a wide range of issues including the historical background, management styles, management advantages of overseas Chinese businessmen, the global economic trend and how to improve overseasChinese entrepreneurs' adaptability to the new economic environment.

(People's Daily March 29, 2002)