IAEE2009 - The New Landscape of Global Agriculture
There are strong indications and already evidence that the agricultural and food system as well as the rural areas across the world are experiencing major change. Increased urbanisation and the increased affluence in emerging economies combined with the demand for agricultural commodities for biofuels is changing the whole landscape of global agricultural and food systems. The next XXVII IAAE conference is therefore not only planning to address these issues but at the same time providing the opportunity to think about the adjustments in our discipline needed to address these more complex issues. Amongst other things this calls for an expansion of the toolkit of agricultural economists. The question the conference should address is: Are we as agricultural economists equipped to deal with these complex problems and issues on our own? What are the principles, techniques and approaches from other disciplines we can use?
In addition to the opening ceremony and the Elmhirst Memorial Lecture and Presidential Address, the programme will include five additional plenary sessions covering the following themes:
In addition to the plenary speakers, the Vice President Programme will also invite members to propose invited panels on a range of key topics broadly related to the conference theme.
Language
The official language of the conference will be English.
About Beijing and the Conference Venue
Beijing is China's political, cultural and economic centre. As a modern city with a long history, it is an enormous treasure house of cultural and historical relics, stocked with various collections of palaces, temples, parks and above all, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall. Beijing is easily accessible by air. Its airport is connected to major international cities by over 60 international and regional direct air routes with over 460 flights a week.
The XXVII IAAE Conference will be held at Beijing International Convention Center (BICC), which is located close to the main venue of 2008 Olympic Games. BICC adjoins highways with ideal geographical location and all-round accessibility. Beijing Capital International Airport is 25 km east of BICC, while the historical Tian'anmen Square is 9 km to the south. 10 km to the west is the Summer Palace, and 80 km to the north is the Great Wall. Hotels of various classes are within walking distance.
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and a visa are required for entry into China. Visas can be obtained from your local Chinese Embassy or the nearest Consulate General. Japanese and Singaporean participants holding a private passport and staying in China for not more than 15 days do not need a visa. Early registration is advised so that adequate time is allowed for obtaining visas.
To obtain a business visa, conference participants can provide passport information at online registration so that the organizer can prepare and send an official visa invitation letter, which lists the city where the applicant should apply for the visa, the passport data and the profession of the applicant and the accompanying persons, and the date of entry and the length of stay. Alternatively, the conference participants can apply for a tourist visa through a travel agent aftering booking air tickets and completing hotel reservation.
Currency
In China, only Chinese yuan is used. However, exchange centers can be found at airports, banks, most hotels and large shopping centers. The exchange rate is about US$ 1 = CNY 6.8 yuan. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt, which you will need in order to change any remaining Chinese yuan back to foreign currency when leaving China. Visa, Master, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are accepted in many department stores and hotels. It may be difficult to draw cash with credit cards.
Insurance
The congress organizers do not accept any liability for personal accidents or loss or damage to the private property of any participants during the conference or indirectly arising from attending the conference. It is advisable that participants should take adequate travel and health insurances before leaving their own countries.
Transfer from the Airport to Hotels
All flights arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, which is 30 kilometers from town, and is served by major international airline companies. Airport bus shuttles connect the airport to different parts of downtown Beijing, including Beijing International Convention Center. But the most convenient way is to take a taxi at the taxi stand; the cost is around 100 Chinese yuan.
(a) By Airport Shuttle Bus
It's convenient to take an Airport Shuttle Bus to the conference site if you travel light. Please select Route 5, which runs from Beijing Capital International Airport to Zhongguan Cun, and get off at Yayuncun (Asian Games Village, the second stop). The stop is at the south side of Beijing Continental Grand Hotel and Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing, and you have to make a big turn (10-15 minute walk) to reach the north entrance. The total cost is 16 Chinese yuan. The total time is around 40 minutes. If encountering a heavy traffic, it will last longer. The first bus from Airport is 8:30 and the last one is 21:30.
(b) By taxi
The total cost is around 100 Chinese yuan, including the expressway fee. The total time is around 30 minutes. If encountering a heavy traffic, the cost may be higher. Also the time spent may be longer.
Although there is an airport subway to town, it costs much more than the shuttle and needs two subway transfers plus 15-20 minute walk. So it is not recommended.
Electricity
The electric current in China is 220V, 50hz. Most hotels have built-in converters in bathrooms for shavers and hair dryers. Please note that a variety of plug types are used in China, and adaptors may be necessary.
Tipping
Tipping is not generally expected in mainland China. Although bellboys and staff may have become used to the international traveler giving small tips in large hotels, it is not expected or required. Most larger hotels and some restaurants charge a service fee, e.g. 15%.
Climate and Weather
The conference is held when Beijing is entering late summer. The average daily temperature is about 22°C /72°F, with highs of around 35°C /95°F and lows of around 10°C /50°F. There is occasional rain but the amount is not much.