Dec. 9, 2016 – Over 400 guests from the U.S. Embassy, Chinese government ministries and organizations and the American business community came together to celebrate another year of cooperation at the 17th AmCham China Annual Appreciation Dinner this evening. The theme of this year is “Mutuality in Vision and Commitment,” reflecting AmCham China’s endeavor to further economic cooperation between China and the U.S. over the years.
From L to R: Audie Wong of Amway, K.K Chua of Mary Kay, Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy China International Trade Representative and William Zarit, Chairman-elect of AmCham China
Deputy China International Trade Representative Zhang Xiangchen and U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus were among the high-profile speakers. As the event was held during the transition process for the new US administration, the future of US-China relations was a hot topic for the evening.
Ambassador Baucus congratulated AmCham China on another great year, and praised its efforts in many areas to help promote a more welcoming business environment in China.
“While administrations and leaders might change, one fact will remain constant: The U.S.-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and we have to get it right,” he said. “The big issues today – economic stability, climate change, terrorism – are global. The business community perhaps understands best of all how much America and China increasingly rely on each other. Our countries must work together to find creative solutions to these challenges that will shape the future of both our countries, and the world.”
AmCham China Chairman James Zimmerman extended his appreciation to both governments for their effort and support in 2016 on behalf of members. He also highlighted the accomplishments of the Chamber in strengthening U.S.-China commercial relations over the years, and stressed that American business operating in Asia needs certainty and stability.
“AmCham over the years has advocated for strong commercial ties between the U.S. and China including China’s Most Favored Nation status and entry into WTO,” he said. “We have advocated hard for Chinese access to global institutions and we'll continue to promote China's international engagement. We have also taken various initiatives to support Chinese companies in their pursuit of opportunities in the global marketplace, including Chinese investments in the United States. You can indeed count on us to be strong advocates.”
About AmCham China
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. Visit: www.amchamchina.org
For more information, please contact:
Lin Lin
Tel: (8610) 8519-0831
Email: llin@amchamchina.org