Campaign Statement
My name is Erin Zhang and I am currently an Executive Director in the Office of Government Affairs at Goldman Sachs, based in Beijing. I would be honored to receive your vote for AmCham China’s 2021 Board of Governors, so that I can contribute to the success of AmCham and the US business community in China at this important moment.
Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. The firm has long played a part in advancing the bilateral relationship. We have had a presence in China since 1994, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. In 2004, we established an investment banking joint venture, Gao Hua Securities, making Goldman Sachs one of the first foreign entities to obtain a license to conduct business in China.
During the past two decades, China has made significant commitments to liberalize and develop its economy and markets. Though there are noises and frictions between the world’s two largest economies in recent years, trade and investment still remain key for US-China relations. Since 2017, I have participated in the Amcham China Leadership Program and also served as the Co-Chair of the Financial Service Forum, working closely with AmCham colleagues for the annual White Paper drafting and delivery. As part of this work, I have represented AmCham and the US financial industry in front of senior Chinese government officials and financial regulators to advocate for freer flow of capital, enhanced market access, and alignment with international standards.
My prior experience in representing a variety of sectors also will be additive to AmCham’s agenda in China. During the past 17 years I have represented the private sector, foreign governments, and global NGOs in China before the Chinese government and have taken leadership roles in different foreign chambers. I believe my experiences, knowledge and connections can contribute to the expansion and growth of US businesses in this country.
Please vote for me, for the US financial services industry and for a female leader for the Chamber!
Thank you for your consideration – I am grateful for your support.
Biography
Erin Zhang joined Goldman Sachs in March 2017 as an Executive Director in the Office of Government Affairs, based in Beijing. She is responsible for helping advance the firm’s China strategy which is focused on strengthening its business franchise, driving advocacy on market reform, relationship building with senior officials, and thought leadership.
Erin previously served as the Chief Representative of the City of London Beijing office, a position she held from 2010. In that role, Erin helped both the UK government and industry understand the policy and regulatory landscape in China, in addition to serving as the main point of contact for the City of London with the Chinese government and regulators. Her team worked closely on the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue and supported senior ministerial visits between China and the UK. She was also the China coordinator of the City of London RMB internationalization initiative, and worked together with 13 global banks for their communications with PBOC and CBIRC on this topic.