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In our Forecast 2021 podcast series, we’re focused on preparing you for the year ahead by offering insights to help you better understand and manage some of the opportunities and challenges that your company might face—think policy, technology, and other big picture topics.

China is talked about a great deal in the press with many businesses wondering how trade partnerships will change over time. This week, host Heather Horn sat down with Craig Stronberg, who leads PwC’s Intelligence team advising global and firm leadership on macroeconomic and geopolitical events, to get some insight on the geopolitical landscape in China, clear-up common misconceptions, and discuss what the future might hold.

Topics include:

• 0:56 - Overview. We begin by setting the stage covering some of the big questions businesses are asking, including how the new administration is affecting policy and how business is being done between China and the US.  
• 13:50 - Supply chain considerations. What are the alternatives to manufacturing in the region? Craig shares considerations of doing business with other potential markets and also covers US reshoring incentives.
• 25:51 - Doing business with China. Craig and Heather discuss the effects protectionism is having on business and look at which industries are most at risk. 
• 30:47 - What the CFO should know. Whether you’re trading with China or have a supply chain in the region, Craig stresses the importance of understanding the cyber and data regulatory landscape. 
• 35:03 - Best practices. Craig shares what other companies are doing.
• 37:27 - Outlook. Will China displace the US as the world’s largest economy? We close by offering some predictions.  

Want to learn more? Explore PwC's 24th Annual Global CEO Survey and related webcast.

Craig Stronberg leads the Macro Capability for PwC Intelligence, spearheading the team of analysts that provide macroeconomic and geopolitical intelligence to key stakeholders. Named as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, Craig had a nearly 20 year career in national security affairs working for and advising numerous agencies and international partners, having been decorated five times. He focused on numerous areas including counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterterrorism, cyber threats, political-military issues, special operations integration and support to major events such as the Olympic Games.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

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