BEIJING, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham-China) welcomes the remarks that National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Director Zhang Ping made in his keynote address to its members at the organization's 10th annual Appreciation Dinner. In his speech to the more than 800 members, government officials and press in attendance, Director Zhang praised the work of the organization and said it had an important role to play in US-China relations going forward.

The event, which came at the end of week that also witnessed President Obama's first visit to China, celebrated 30 years of US-China normalized relations. Director Zhang told the audience that China and the US have a strong mutually beneficial relationship.

"For many years, AmCham-China has actively served as a bridge. AmCham- China has made great contributions tightening ties between the two governments," Director Zhang said. He later added that AmCham-China "should continue to promote economic and cultural exchanges of both countries, especially guiding and supporting investment and business operations," creating a "win-win situation."

Chamber leaders welcomed the praise and said that the NDRC director's keynote address shows the commitment of the NDRC and the Chinese government generally to the American business community in China.

"I strongly agree with Director Zhang's sentiments that US companies have much to gain from access to China's rapidly growing consumer market and much value to add in the areas of international best practices and world-class technology," said AmCham-China President Michael Barbalas. "The continued growth of the American business community in China is extremely positive for both countries."

US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman, Jr. also addressed the crowd of business leaders and government officials, saying that cooperation between the two countries was a sign of strength. The presence of the NDRC director on stage together with the ambassador highlighted the cooperative achievements of the week in US-China relations, AmCham-China officials said.

"AmCham-China is very encouraged that the US and Chinese governments are working collaboratively on the economic challenges we face. China and the US are in this together and we embrace the cooperation expressed by all parties at our event tonight," said AmCham-China Chairman John D. Watkins, Jr. "Our two countries and economies will succeed as we work together on important matters such as promoting clean energy and energy efficiency and keeping markets open for trade and investment."

AmCham-China's Appreciation Dinner is an annual event where members and officials celebrate the longstanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the US and Chinese governments and the US business community in China. In addition to Director Zhang and Ambassador Huntsman, this year more than 100 US and Chinese officials attended AmCham-China's Appreciation Dinner. Among the scheduled guests were Jiang Zengwei, the Vice Minister of Ministry of Commerce, He Yafei, the Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Li, the Vice Minister of State Administration of Taxation, and the vice governors from Hebei, Henan, Jilin, Anhui and Hubei provinces, as well as vice mayors of Tianjin.

About The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China:

AmCham-China is a Beijing-based, non-profit organization representing the interests of some 2,500 companies and individuals doing business throughout China. Headquartered in Beijing, AmCham-China has chapters in Tianjin and Central China (Wuhan). For more information, visit: http://www.amchamchina.org

    For further information, please contact:

     Ulan Tuya
     Media Relations Manager
     Tel:   +86-10-8519-0835
     Email: utuya@amchamchina.org

SOURCE The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China

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