WASHINGTON: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) kicked off the 6th China Business Conference, the nation’s premier China conference aimed at providing a forum to discuss the future of the U.S.-China economic relationship, as well as the latest developments in China’s business environment and their impact on American companies. The U.S. Chamber and AmCham China also recognized former U.S. Trade Representative and World Bank President Robert Zoellick with the first China Statesman award for his significant contributions over decades in public service and the private sector to the world’s thinking about, and the U.S.’s understanding of, China.
“The Chamber is committed to bolstering the U.S.-China economic and commercial relationship,” said Tami Overby, senior vice president for Asia at the U.S. Chamber. “With the two largest economies in the world, there is tremendous opportunity for mutually beneficial investment and growth, and the open dialogue created by this conference creates a forum to help achieve those goals.”
This is the sixth year that the two chambers have held the China Business Conference, and topics of discussion include the latest developments in bilateral relations, economic and reform trends in China through the 2017 Party Congress, U.S. and European perspectives on China’s business climate, the growing U.S.-China divide in promoting the global digital economy, and the U.S.-China bilateral investment treaty negotiations, among other priority issues.
“By bringing together government, industry, and think tank representatives, the China Business Conference offers the chance for participants to work on building a stronger relationship between the United States and China,” said Jim Zimmerman, chairman of AmCham China. “One of the main goals of AmCham China is to collaborate with China to create opportunities and an environment for American enterprise to succeed in the country, the conversation created by this event furthers this mission.”
Speakers included Zoellick, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, former Central Intelligence Agency Director General Michael Hayden, former U.S. Ambassador to China Stapleton Roy, Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council Evan Medeiros, and Senior Director for International Economics at the National Security Council Rory MacFarquhar, among others.
International trade and investment are key components of the Chamber’s 2015 American Jobs, Growth, and Opportunity Agenda, an ambitious plan to help revitalize the American economy, create jobs, spur growth, and lift incomes.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 70 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.
The American Chamber of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose membership comprises more than 3,800 individuals from over 1,000 companies operating across China. The chamber’s nationwide mission is to help American companies succeed in China through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. AmCham China is the only officially recognized chamber of commerce representing American business in mainland China. With offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Shenyang and Wuhan, AmCham China has more than 60 working groups, and holds more than 300 events each year.
