As fall gets underway, AmCham China has embarked on a series of high-profile engagements, advocating for our members on critical bilateral issues and strengthening our dialogue with key government stakeholders. Over the past few weeks, our leadership has met with high-level stakeholders from both governments, including US Climate Envoy John Podesta, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin, US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, Fujian Vice Governor Wang Jinfu, US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen, Hunan Party Secretary Shen Xiaoming, Sui Pengfei, Director General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and more to promote constructive dialogue. Below is a summary of our recent key activities.
Southwest Chapter Hosts US Embassy Roundtable in Chengdu
The AmCham China Southwest Chapter hosted a roundtable on the morning of September 12 at the Grand Hyatt Chengdu, featuring Colin Guest, US Embassy Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs, along with other US Embassy representatives. The session, moderated by Mark Dreyer, AmCham China’s Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, provided Southwest Chapter members with an opportunity for in-person discussions with US Embassy officials and representatives from member companies on topics of mutual concern. Later that evening, the AmCham China Southwest Chapter, along with member representatives, attended a US Embassy Reception in Chengdu.
National Fair Competition Conference
On September 10, the 2024 National Fair Competition Conference opened in Wuhan, hosted by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). International experts and leaders gathered to discuss antitrust enforcement and M&A regulations. Kenneth Zhou, AmCham China Board Member delivered a keynote on optimizing regulatory mechanisms for M&A. The event, themed “Fair Competition for the Future of a Unified Market,” also featured speeches from SAMR Director Luo Wen and Hubei Governor Wang Zhonglin, who emphasized the role of fair competition in driving innovation and building a dynamic market in China.
Delegation Trip to Xiamen and Meeting with Fujian Vice Governor
On September 7, AmCham China representatives led by President Michael Hart, traveled to Xiamen met with Fujian Vice Governor Wang Jinfu during the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade. The Vice Governor highlighted Fujian’s strategic initiatives to attract foreign investment, while business leaders expressed confidence in deepening economic collaboration with the province.
On September 6, AmCham China President Michael Hart delivered keynote remarks at the US-China Circular Economy Cooperation Forum, an event that brought together key leaders from both the US and China to discuss climate collaboration. Notable speakers in the opening session included Zhao Chenxin, Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission; John Podesta, Senior Advisor; Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change; US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, and pre-recorded video remarks from Ambassador Xie Feng, China’s Ambassador to the United States.
AmCham China Chair Leads Visit to Hexi District in Tianjin
On September 5, an AmCham China delegation from the Tianjin Chapter led by Chair Sean Stein visited Tianjin’s Hexi District, where they engaged with senior officials, including Wang Xu from the Tianjin Municipal Standing Committee and head of the Hexi District. Discussions focused on attracting investment in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and the digital economy, strengthening US-Tianjin business relations. Multiple Tianjin government departments participated, reinforcing this collaboration.
AmCham China Co-hosts US-China Commercial Issues Working Group Reception
On September 4, AmCham China, in collaboration with other organizations, co-hosted a reception for the US-China Commercial Issues Working Group (CIWG) leadership. With over 100 business and government representatives in attendance, the reception set the stage for the subsequent formal CIWG meeting in Tianjin between Co-Chairs, US Under Secretary of Commerce Marisa Lago and China’s Vice Minister Wang Shouwen, where they discussed pressing bilateral trade issues.
AmCham China Delegation Visits Changsha, Hunan Province
On September 8 and 9, AmCham China Vice Chair Roberta Lipson and Central China Chapter Chair Steve Carpenter led a delegation to Changsha, Hunan Province, for an exclusive insight trip aimed at fostering business engagement and exploring investment opportunities. During the visit, the delegation met with high-level provincial leaders, including Hunan Party Secretary Shen Xiaoming and Vice Governor Cao Zhiqiang, and delivered the 2024 American Business in China White Paper (White Paper). They also engaged in a roundtable discussion with US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, collaborated with the US Consulate General in Wuhan, and participated in an exchange with Changsha’s CCPIT to discuss trade and investment prospects. The trip provided members with valuable insights into local economic policies, with a field visit to Sansure Biotech Inc. highlighting the region’s innovation and growth potential.
White Paper Delivery Meeting with MARA
On September 4, AmCham China President Michael Hart led a delegation of member company representatives to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) to present the 2024 White Paper. Pengfei Sui, Director General of International Cooperation at MARA, welcomed the AmCham China delegation and the group had an open discussion on the partnership on agriculture and rural development.