Chinese, US Speakers Highlight Innovative Partnerships at AmCham-China's Annual Government Appreciation Dinner

BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham-China) was honored to host Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and over 130 top Chinese officials at its annual Government Appreciation Dinner, held to celebrate the collaborative relationship and thank the government for its support of US companies in China. The theme of this year's event was "Innovative Partnership and Shared Successes."

In remarks before some 700 attendees, Minister Chen said, "The nature of the China-US relationship is based on cooperation and mutual benefit. Our countries' economies are complementary and we have similar interests. Both countries need each other. Expanding our cooperation is a win-win for China and the US alike."

Ambassador Locke noted that in light of growing US-Chinese economic interdependence, "Our economies are inexorably linked. The economic success of one country translates into economic success for the other. To that end the United States and China must continue to extend our economic cooperation."

AmCham-China Chairman Ted Dean discussed the value of the three innovative cooperative programs hosted by the chamber, focusing on aviation, energy and healthcare. The cooperative programs promote collaboration between the private and public sectors and facilitate information sharing on infrastructure and regulatory best practices between US and Chinese government officials. (Please see a shortlist of top 2011 accomplishments for each of the programs below).

The audience for this year's Appreciation Dinner included Chinese government leaders from the central, provincial and municipal levels, business leaders from AmCham-China member companies, US Embassy officials, and reporters.

In addition to Minister Chen and Ambassador Locke, this year's guests included Li Daoyu, Chairman of the China International Public Relations Association and former Chinese ambassador to the US; Wei Jianguo, Secretary General of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce; Wang Jinzhen, Vice Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade; Zheng Zeguang, Vice Mayor of Nanjing; and Shao Guohe, Assistant of the Governor of Anhui province.

Innovative Partnerships in Practice:

2011 Achievements for AmCham-China Cooperation Programs

AmCham-China's Aviation Cooperation Program

• ACP received a grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) valued at $943,000, marking its seventh grant award from the agency. The grant will fund projects including the Executive Management and Development Training program for Chinese aviation executives and officials, which to date boasts 197 graduates; the Air Traffic Management Executive Training, which so far claims 72 graduates; and the development of an Air Traffic Flow Play Book.
• ACP members met with visiting US Federal Aviation Authority Deputy Administrator Michael Huerta and US Assistant Secretary of Transportation Susan Kurland. Over 30 company representatives attended the meeting to discuss how to accelerate US-China aviation cooperation as well as promote the success of US companies. 
• The Fifth China Civil Aviation Development Forum, held in Beijing with a record attendance of 700 participants from around the world, included many ACP member sponsors, speakers, panelists and delegates.

AmCham-China's Energy Cooperation Program

• Since its founding in September 2009, ECP has grown from 24 to 47 member companies through a unique bilateral platform to pursue business development objectives linked to US and Chinese national clean energy priorities.
• In March 2011, ECP working groups presented their sector roadmaps, 2011 work plan objectives and implementation strategies at an unprecedented day-long, high-level working meeting with officials from the National Energy Administration, Ministry of Commerce and National Development and Reform Commmission. The groundbreaking event marked the beginning of an annual dialogue between ECP and its Chinese government partners.
• ECP, in cooperation with USTDA, completed a series of three clean energy sector reverse trade missions to the US from September 2010 to August 2011. The goal of these missions was to introduce the Chinese delegates to US federal and state agencies and provide ECP member companies with an opportunity to engage clean energy officials from China in clean energy policies and practices.

Healthcare Cooperation Program

• Key US and Chinese health and commerce agencies jointly announced they would support the establishment of a public-private partnership on healthcare during President Hu Jintao's visit to Washington, DC.
• HCP opened an office, hired an executive director and currently has 38 member companies and organizations.
• HCP held eight working group meetings and identified a robust roster of initial projects focusing on healthcare capacity building and addressing key issues to support health reform in China.

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

AmCham-China is an independent Beijing-based, non-profit organization representing the interests of some 2,600 companies and individuals doing business throughout China. Headquartered in Beijing, AmCham-China has chapters in Dalian, Tianjin and Central China (Wuhan). For more information, visit: www.amchamchina.org

For Chinese media inquiries, contact:
Ulan Tuya
Senior Communications Manager
86-10 8519-0835
[email protected]

For international media inquiries, contact:
K.C. Swanson
Director of Communications
86-10 8519-0834
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SOURCE AmCham-China