The Dalian Chapter was founded to help companies of all sizes to grow their business in Dalian.

The Dalian Chapter helps its members to achieve their business objectives through:

• Effective government advocacy on the local, provincial and national level
• Close networking with the US Consulate and access to regular US Consulate Briefings, US Citizen Services, as well as the latest information from the consulate
• Frequent and engaging business networking opportunities
• Impactful business support services, such as the Business Visa Program

Having an AmCham China chapter in Dalian has given small- and medium-sized enterprises, big multinational companies, entrepreneurs and individuals a platform to grow their operations and increase their success in China. The Dalian Chapter is run for and by business people. Instead of individual companies working independently on business and development issues, AmCham China, Dalian Chapter helps companies and individuals to come together and leverage the power of many.

AmCham China, Dalian Chapter holds a regular Monthly Networking Night which attracts both members and non-members who are either looking for business opportunities or wishing to get involved in the Dalian expat community. The Dalian Chapter also provides networking events combined with seminars and consulate briefings. For a complete listing of upcoming events, click here, or to review recent events, click here.

AmCham China, Dalian Chapter organizes topical events where industry leaders and experts share their knowledge on a wide range of topics, ranging from legal, tax to healthcare issues. These events give attendees great opportunities to hear about new trends in their interested fields and share and discuss business practices.

On a quarterly basis, the US Consulate General in Shenyang gives exclusive briefings to AmCham China, Dalian Chapter members related to US Citizen Services and the latest policy changes affecting US companies doing business in China. At these briefings, attendees can gain valuable insights on China’s macroeconomic policies and issues related to Sino-US bilateral relations and opportunities.

The Provincial Trips program is a critical AmCham China resource for member companies looking to expand their operations and capture new markets in China. Through this popular program, members access government officials, local business development decision makers and area business leaders who provide updates and information to help members evaluate investment opportunities. To learn more about Provincial Trips, click here. click here.

AmCham China offers various ways for members to advocate their business and to know valuable business information in China, including monthly China Brief magazine and annual White Paper on American Business in China. AmCham China, Dalian Chapter contributes to the annual White Paper and advocates for specific changes in the city, including transportation, healthcare and HR. The White Paper is a key advocacy piece for local and provincial government leaders and US decision makers.

Tony Balow is the Chair of AmCham China, Dalian Chapter Executive Committee. He is the Director of Finance at Intel Semiconductor (Dalian) Ltd.

The Dalian chapter was launched in early 2009 in response to the rapid growth of Dalian and the US business community here. Dalian is the second largest city in Liaoning Province and ranked ninth among Chinese cities in terms of overall strength in 2010. It has enjoyed continuous double-digit GDP growth since the early 1990s (which it sustained even during the recent years of economic crisis) with GDP in 2010 reaching more than 500 billion RMB. The city is also ranked as one of the most livable cities in China and has experienced a significant expansion of tourism for both domestic Chinese and international travelers.

Over the past decade, Dalian has reinvented itself moving from a traditional hub of heavy manufacturing to a city intent on becoming a world leader in the IT industry. The Dalian government has created an environment favorable to investment by effectively targeting development in four priority sectors: equipment and manufacturing, logistics and transportation, financial services, and IT / business process outsourcing (BPO) industries. Japanese and Korean companies have long had an established base in Dalian due to its proximity to their home markets. Recently, US businesses have also begun to recognize the vast potential and benefits the city brings.

In less than a year after its launch, the Dalian Chapter had established a strong base of corporate and individual members with more joining each month. Our membership consists of both large American companies such and Intel and Goodyear, but also has strong representation from small and medium sized enterprises. The chapter’s membership covers industries that range from manufacturing, IT, and logistics to financial services and environment protection.

In the first year, the Dalian chapter focused on coalescing the diverse US business community here in Dalian and building the basic AmCham China infrastructure for our membership. We have worked closely with the US Consulate General in Shenyang to provide Quarterly Briefings, US Citizen Services, and are now launching a Business Visa Program that will allow member companies to quickly and conveniently apply for US Business Visas. In addition, we’ve held multiple business updates, and started a series of networking events to connect our membership. In addition to our business focus, we had a very successful July 4th Party and Dalian’s first charity event hosted by a foreign business organization that raised over RMB 163,000 for a local orphanage. Looking ahead, a full schedule of events are planned, including an increased dialogue with local government, an annual golf tournament, and an increased presence at Summer Davos and the annual Software Fair.

On behalf of the rest of the chapter’s Executive Committee, I encourage you to visit Dalian and contact our chapter. We are committed to establishing an organization that adds value for our members and seeks to support the interests of the larger US business community in Dalian.