• Ninth Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference, November 13~14, 2008. Chicago.
 

(From left to right: Mai Hoang, Executive Director of USCCC, Alderman Edward Burke, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Consul General Huang Ping of P.R.China, Siva Yam, President of USCCC)

Uncertainty in the global economic order – As US and China have together accounted for over 50% of the world economic growth in the last decade, they are likely the solutions to the economic unknowns. This Conference will address various issues and tactics for US companies to stay prosperous during upswings and downturns. China facing the challenges to remain manufacturing capital of the world – While China has undergone a restructuring: changes in VAT rebated on exports; elimination of tax holidays for foreign companies; toughening employment and environment laws; appreciation of RMB; unstoppable rise in raw material, fuel, and shipping cost; and is facing competition from other countries, China’s export continues to increase. Is China at its fineness? U.S. export has grown at 10% a year and import has declined by 2% largely due to a weak domestic market and weak US dollars – China has emerged as one of the fastest growing markets for US companies and yet many US exporters are

struggling to realize the potential China has changed its policy and acquisitions by foreign companies have become more feasible – this Conference will address the issues to maximize the benefits of operating in China
 

Buy Conference Book CD

 

 

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• U.S.-China-Japan Automotive Conference — The Future of the Auto Industry Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago, IL.
 

(Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi with  delegation from Dalian, Changzhou, Shanghai  Foreign Economic & Trade Investment Group and Huachen Automotive Group Holdings Co.,  Ltd.)

Facing an uncontrollable rise in material costs, largely driven by the surge in consumption of energy and rapid industrialization of the developing world — markedly in China — as well as a slowing economy over the last 20 years, car makers and their suppliers are facing an uncertain future globally. However, something of brightness remains untouched in this difficult era. China has emerged as an automotive industry oasis. From 2006 to 2007, while both GM and Ford reported drastic net losses in their domestic sales by $38.73 billion and $2.72 billion, respectively, they announced an increase of profit in China by 18.5% (1.03 million vehicles sold) and 30% (216,324 vehicles sold), respectively. Toyota Motors has recently reported the first ever decline in sales, and yet, it announced that would expand rapidly in Asia. As foreign companies are rushing to China to compete with various joint ventures that they themselves have set up with the Chinese, Chinese companies are aggressively expanding through

the acquisition of new technologies; the purchase of brands, such as MG Rover; and the pursuit of export despite an uncertainty about whether an industry that is crowded, with over 80 car companies, will undergo a consolidation.

This Conference is critically important to car makers and auto parts suppliers, not only because it will address the critical macro issue — the future of the auto industry — but also because it will address various micro issues: sourcing, selling, and managing across various cultures. Furthermore, this is one of the few occasions where executives and government officials will converge to meet and talk face to face.

Confirmed speakers include:

Governor Haley Barbour, State of Mississippi; Mr. Shigeru Hayakawa, Chairman and COO, Toyota Motor North America; Mr. Tim Manganello, CEO, Borg Warner; Mr. Chip McClure, CEO, Arvin Meritor; Mr. Pin Ni, President, Wanxiang America Corporation; The Honorable Liu Xiaobin, Deputy Director General, Nanjing Economic Commission & Director General, Nanjing Automotive Industry Development Office; Mr. Neil De Koker, President, Original Equipment Suppliers Association; Mr. Thomas Klier, Senior Economist, Economic Research Department, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; Mr. Steve Hyde, VP – International Business Development, Navistar International; Mr. Edward Wajda, Senior VP – International, Briggs & Stratton; Mr. Harry Nieman, President, Premier Manufacturing Support Services; Mr. Larry Denton, Former President & CEO, Dura Automotive Systems; Mr. Brian Taylor, Vice President-Asian Business Development and Operations, Anchor Danly Corporation; Mr. Michael Rodenberg, Director, Asia, Methode Electronics, Inc.; and Dayne Kono, Attorney at Law, Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd.

As spaces are limited, please register as early as possible. In the meantime, please contact our office at 312-368-9911 with any questions.

With best,

Siva Yam, CPA, CFA
President
U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce

 

Name List of Delegations From China

 

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• 2008 China (Changzhou) International Forum on Science-Tech & Economic Cooperation, September 19 through 24, Changzhou, China
 

We have been invited by The Honorable Fan Yanqing, Party Secretary of Changzhou Municipal Government, the most senior leader in Changzhou, to attend the 2008 China (Changzhou) International Forum on Science-tech & Economic Cooperation. The forum will be held in Changzhou from September 19 to 24, 2008. There will also be a number of sub-forums, which include:

· The 10th China Solar Energy & Photovoltaic Conference & Exhibition

· Forum & Signing Ceremony for the 3rd Batch of Projects by Returned Overseas Talents

· High-level Forum on China-Europe Innovation & Development of Coating Technology

· A Bridge to Business — 2008 Changzhou Technological Innovation & Business Pioneering Forum for Overseas Talents

· The 2nd China Solar Energy Festival & the 6th Solar Energy Autumn Trade Fair

· 2008 Changzhou Forum on Cross-Straits Potted Landscape & Exhibition of Miniature Trees and Rockery

We will take a delegation to attend this event — the Honorable Fan Yanqing will personally meet with the Delegation and possibly host a dinner reception. I sincerely hope that you will join us on this special occasion. There is no cost for attending this event other than your own traveling and incidental expenses. USCCC will provide certain assistance in your travel and other requirements including obtaining the necessary visas. If you are interested in participating, please contact Mai Hoang at 312-368-9029 or maihoang@usccc.org as soon as possible.

Click here to download the details of the delegation

• International Sourcing Fair and International Sourcing Summit, September 22 through 25, Shanghai, China
 

International Sourcing Fair (“ISF”) is the largest “Reverse” sourcing fair in China, which is co-organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal Government. The U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce (“USCCC”) has recently signed a co-operative agreement with Shanghai Foreign Economic and Trade Investment Company, the commercial arm of Shanghai Municipal Government, to provide certain assistance to both U.S. and Chinese companies to further their business interests. In this light, I am pleased to invite you to join me as a Delegate to attend this special event.

“Shopping Lists” of International Buyers

This is an unusual opportunity for you to further your business interest internationally as you will be meeting not only suppliers, but also international buyers, in one place. As a Delegate, you will be provided with the “shopping lists” of some of the international buyers prior to the Fair (please contact our office to obtain a copy).

Invitation to “By Invitation Only” Events

You will also be invited to attend the “By Invitation Only” events to meet with some of the political and business leaders on September 22nd at the one of the world’s tallest buildings — the new Shanghai International Finance Center. VIPs will include The Honorable Tang Dengjie, Vice Mayor of Shanghai; Mi Bohua, Deputy Chief Editor, People’s Daily; senior leaders from the Ministry of Commerce and 23 participating provinces; and executives of Chinese and multi-national firms. In co-operation with our partner, we will provide you with matchmaking services, and under certain circumstances, we may be able to arrange a one-on-one meeting with some of the leaders you request.

Showcasing Your Company with a Booth Rental

If you wish to showcase your company and products, you can rent a booth during the Fair. As a Delegate, you will be given a discount of 20% off the regular price of US$1,500 for a 9 sq. meter space ($1,200). USCCC along with its partner will use their best efforts to provide you with the necessary support to make your presentation a success.

Special Automotive Seminar

If you are involved in the automotive industry, you may also have an opportunity to make a presentation about your company and products in a Special Automotive Seminar that is to be co-hosted by Shanghai Municipal Government and U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce (in formation – subject to certain condition) on September 24 as part of the Fair at the Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center in Jiading District, Shanghai.

Cost for participating in and making a presentation during the Special Seminar is only US$300 to cover part of the cost incurred by USCCC.

Cost

The entrance fee to the ISF is approximately USD $50. With the exception of this entrance fee, there is no other mandatory cost for joining this Delegation other than your own travel and incidental expenses (the booth rental and Special Automotive Seminar participation are optional). USCCC will help you to make all the necessary travel and logistics arrangements and will work with you to tailor make the program in accordance to your preference and requirements. USCCC and its partner will provide you with an invitation, and we will help you to obtain a Business Visa to visit Shanghai for the ISF in September.

Due to the earthquake and Beijing Olympics, the agenda for the IFS was recently finalized. We understand that this is a short notice and would like to apologize for any trouble to which you have been put. We strongly believe that this is an unusual opportunity and urge you to seriously consider joining this Delegation. If anything that we can do to help you regarding your decision or the trip, please do not hesitate to contact either Mai at 312-368-9029 or myself at 312-368-9030 at your earliest convenience. As it will take time to obtain the visa, organize the Seminar, set up meetings, and make the travel arrangements, we would be grateful if you would inform us of your interest before Wednesday, September 3.

Once again, I sincerely hope you can join us for these exceptional events. Please feel free to give me a call at 312-368-9911 or email me at sivayam@usccc.org if you have any questions.

With best,

Siva Yam, CPA, CFA

President

U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
 

• National City Bank Event — China: Threat or Opportunity, September 25, Chicago
 

National City Bank will be hosting a program titled, “China: Threat or Opportunity,” on Thursday, September 25 in Chicago, featuring a presentation by Alfred Ho, Vice President and Director of China Advisory Service, International Division of Global Trade & Supply Chain Solutions, National City. The program begins at 7:45 a.m. ET, and will be held at One North Franklin, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606. For further information, please visit: http://www.nationalcityseminars.com/Seminar.asp?seminar=420.

• An Investment Forum of China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), September 11, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago

It is my pleasure, on behalf of the China Foreign Trade Center, The Consulate General of the PRC in Chicago, the US-China Chamber of Commerce, and our Co-Sponsor, the International Trade Association of Greater Chicago, to invite you to an Investment Forum in honor of the Visiting Delegation from the China Foreign Trade Center led by the Honorable Wang Runsheng, Deputy Director General of the China Foreign Trade Center. The event will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Breakfast will be served. This event is BY INVITATION ONLY. An RSVP form is hereby attached for your consideration.

Canton Fair is the oldest and largest trade fair in China. It is also the most comprehensive and multi-functional among all Chinese trade fairs. 192,013 overseas buyers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders, as well as 42,659 standard exhibition booths were at the 103rd Session of the Fair.

At the fair, attendees can preview thousands of goods relevant to their specific sourcing needs. They will meet with a number of Chinese companies who are not only their potential suppliers, but also customers and investors.

In addition, The Canton Fair has taken an innovative step to bring a digital version of this trade and business to the online community: Canton Fair Online is an online version of the trade conference, with features including, but not limited to, the ability to search an online directory of sourcing products, as well as an Exhibitor E-Catalog of the 104st Fair.

The 104th Session of the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) will be held in three phases: Phase 1 will be October 15-19, 2008, Phase 2 will be October 24-28 2008; and Phase 3 will be November 2-6, 2008.

For further information, please feel free to give me a call at 312-368-9911 or email me at sivayam@usccc.org.

With best,

Siva Yam, CPA, CFA
President
U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce

Download Registration Form (by Invitation Only)

 

• "Attracting Chinese Companies to Your City and Getting Chinese Companies As Clients", Tuesday, August 19, 2008.
 

Since 2002, Chinese companies have been strongly encouraged by the Chinese government to “Go Out.”  Chinese companies going overseas are primarily for the purpose of securing a reliable and uninterrupted supply of raw materials; acquiring brands, distribution channels, or technology; and simply going out because others are doing it.

Despite the efforts being undertaken by both the U.S. and Chinese governments and the vast potential for investments from China into the U.S. to generate enormous mutual benefits, investments from China have been sporadic due to the lack of understanding the culture and willingness by both parties in accommodating the commercial requirements of each other given the specific circumstances.  Chinese companies could be substantially different from their counterparts in the U.S.:

·   Chinese companies’ pursuit of a “grand conglomerate” model

·   Chinese companies prizing of tangible assets, such as real estate, over intangible ones

·   Government and symbolism play an important role in Chinese culture - Involvement with the government and name recognition are critical for attracting Chinese investors

·   Although Chinese companies are increasingly willing to pay a retainer fee or grant exclusivity rights for services, this tends to more of an exception than the norm

How can you be a part of this emerging trend of Chinese investments in the U.S.?

·   How can you attract Chinese companies to your area and get Chinese companies as clients? 

·   What are Chinese companies looking for in making an investment decision?

To further promote trade and investments between the U.S. and China, U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce is initiating a number of activities specifically to aid professionals and municipalities in the U.S. to do business with China in the U.S.  A series of programs will be introduced, and the first of which is:

“Attracting Chinese Companies to Your City and Getting Chinese Companies As Clients”

A USCCC Webcast

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. CST

Pin Ni, President, Wanxiang America Corporation and

Director, U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce

Vice Chairman, China Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.*

The parent company of Wanxiang America is located in Xiaoshan, Hangzhou and is the largest auto parts company in China.  It launched its American operations in 1995, and in 2007, the aggregate revenue of its U.S. subsidiary has approached US$883 million with 4,000 employees.  Wanxiang America Corporation is now headquartered in Elgin, Illinois with 22 facilities in nine states in the U.S.  It has recently acquired a division of Ford Motors and also has investments in natural resources, real estate, high tech industries, venture capital funds, and renewable energy. 

Mr. Ni will discuss:

·     Wanxiang’s strategy in coming to the U.S.

·     The company’s criteria in finding a strategic partner

·     His experience in working with various service providers and government agencies in the U.S.

·     The reason why they chose Elgin as their headquarters

I sincerely hope that you will consider joining us for this exceptional presentation to better understand and accommodate the needs, as well as the commercial and cultural requirements, of Chinese companies coming to the U.S. For further information, please feel free to give me a call at 312-368-9911 or email me at sivayam@usccc.org.

With best,

Siva Yam, CPA, CFA

President

U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce

*Unrelated to the USCCC.
 
   

• Fundraising Event to Support the May 12^th Earthquake Victims, June 7. Chicago.

    On May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit the province of Sichuan in China. Many homes, schools, and businesses were destroyed by the impact. The death toll has reached an estimated 69,016 people and is still rising—many more have been listed as injured or missing. To support the surviving victims and aid disaster relief, US-China Chamber of Commerce is honored to co-organize the China Star Charity Show to Support the May 12th Earthquake Victims with China Star Media Corp. The event will be held on June 7, 2008 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Chicago Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross Society of China.

    Some of China’s widely renowned entertainers will be traveling to Chicago for this event, including: China National Oriental Song & Dance Ensemble, China National Opera and Dance Drama Group, and China Gui Yang Acrobatics Troupe. Among the 44 entertainers in this ensemble, there are several outstanding Chinese performers: Yanwen Han, known as the “Whitney Houston” of China and the Nation’s #1 singer in competition; Dai Dan, the famed mezzo-soprano; Yanyu Hai, the host and singer appointed by the Great Hall of People; Shuo Diao, Rock & Roll Star; and Dabing Wang, the soul of the 12 Girls Band, the 2 stringed Chinese fiddle player; as well as Xiaojun Huo, Chengwei Huo, Shi Liu, Chunli Zhao, and Jia Li, acrobatic actors.

    Supporting the organizations providing disaster relief resources to the victims of the earthquake is critical, and attending this special event is a way you can donate to their efforts. Our prayers are with the victims—the people of the world can come together to battle the grave hardship that has affected Sichuan, and through this teamwork, we can help the region to triumph and the world to heal.

    Tickets are available in the following sections; to purchase tickets, select a seating section from the list below. If you would like to make a donation without purchasing a ticket, please follow the payment instructions below and notify us that you will not be attending the event.

    Please make checks payable to the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce and note “Contribution to Earthquake Victims” in the Memo field. Send all checks to: U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce, 55 West Monroe Street, Suite 630, Chicago, IL 60603, Attn: Earthquake Relief Fund.
 

                                                               *Please contact us for specific information about these two sections.

    I hope you can join us for this special occasion dedicated to helping the people of Sichuan rebuild and recover. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.

Siva Yam, CPA, CFA
President
U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
312-368-9911


 

• An Investment Forum: “Changzhou Meets the Midwest” and a Dinner Reception (By Invitation Only)
   

    It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Changzhou Municipal Government and the Board of Directors of US-China Chamber of Commerce, to invite you to An Investment Forum: “Changzhou Meets the Midwest” and a Dinner Reception in Honor of the Visiting Delegation from Changzhou Municipal Government. This high level delegation will be led by The Honorable Fan Yanqing, Secretary, Changzhou CPC Committee, the most senior leader and The Honorable Han Jiuyun, Vice Mayor of Changzhou.  

    This exceptional event is to be held at the Swissotel Chicago, 323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. This event is by invitation only. The Delegation will consist of over 20 members including some of the most prominent business and political leaders in China.

    Changzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze River Delta and the southern part of Jiangsu Province. Halfway between Shanghai and Nanjing, Changzhou and its neighboring cities, Suzhou and Wuxi, this area represents the most developed region in Jiangsu Province. As a cultural city with a history of 2,500 years in south of the Yangtze River, Changzhou is now covering an area of 4,375 square kilometers and has a population of 3.8 million people.  

    Changzhou is noted for its economic and cultural prosperity and social development. In 2007, its GDP reached RMB 188 billion (US$26 billion) with a GDP per capita of US$7,000. According to Forbes, Changzhou ranks No.11 among the Best Commercial Cities in China in 2007. Similarly, it ranks No.7 in the Nationwide Innovation Environment Campaign among the cities in China. 

    Changzhou has five key industries, which include a modern manufacture industry, an electronic and IT industry, a new material, new energy & environmental protection industry, and a bio-pharmaceutical industry. There are more than 5,500 foreign companies in Changzhou, which include some of the Fortune 500 companies such as GE, Texas Instruments, Goodyear; Saint-Gobain, Veolia Waters, and Auchan from France; Bosch, Man Turbo and Metro from Germany; Hitachi, Toshiba, Komatsu, Denso, Bridgestone and Nippon Steel from Japan; and Hyundai Heavy Industry from the Republic of Korea. 

    Changzhou boasts an excellent education system and scientific research institutes, enjoys the reputation of “the ancient community of scholarship and modern metropolis of innovation”. As the earliest and largest vocational training center in China, Changzhou Science and Education Town, has 80,000 students whose majors are mechanical, electronic, software, and chemical engineering, accounting, management, and foreign languages.

    The Delegation has a very busy agenda in the US, and we deeply appreciate that they take the time to come to Chicago to get acquainted with the business community. In addition to the Delegation, a number of US companies including GE Medical and Peoria Tube Forming Corp. will also join in the program to share their first hand experience in doing business in that part of the world. 

    I hope that you will come to join me on this special occasion, and if anything I can do, please do not hesitate to contact me at 312-368-9030. Without a doubt, I would consider it a personal privilege if I would be contacted to that effect. Please RSVP as soon as possible but before or on Friday, May 2.

Siva Yam, CPA, CFA

President

U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
 

• Trade Delegation to Canton Fair (China Import And Export Fair).

    Last year, we have signed an Agreement with The Honorable Wang Junwen, Vice President of China Import and Export Fair, for our cooperation. We are in the process of forming a delegation to attend the 102nd Session of China Import and Export Fair from April 15 to 20. The purpose is to showcase American products and technologies to help our members and US companies to export to China. With one of the world’s largest markets and fastest growing economies, China now represents one of the fastest growing markets for US products. As China is keen to narrow the trade gap between the US and China, this will provide ample opportunities for US companies with good technologies. With the support of the most senior leaders of the Canton Fair, which include The Honorable Huang Huahua, Governor of Guangdong and President of China Export and Import Fair and The Honorable Wang Junwen, USCCC is in a unique position to help US companies in expanding into the Chinese market. For those who are interested, please contact Mai Hoang at 312-368-9029 or maihoang@usccc.org as soon as possible.
 

• Business Luncheon: "Toyota's Transformation from Importer to a Leading Manufacturer in North America"

    On March 17, Monday, in conjunction with The Japan America Society of Chicago, with the support of The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Chicago and Chicago Asia-Pacific Group, US-China Chamber of Commerce will co-host a luncheon featuring Dennis Cuneo, Esq., Executive Advisor and General Counsel to Toyota Boshouku America. Cost for attending this program is $50 for members and $60 for non-members—lunch is included. It will be held at the Gleacher Center, 450 N. Cityfront Plaza, #621, Chicago, IL 60611.
    Mr. Cuneo will discuss Toyota Motor’s strategy in the US. The topic: “Toyota’s Transformation from Importer to a Leading Manufacturer in North America” will prove to be timely as Toyota is now one of the two largest car companies in the world with China emerging as the world’s potentially largest market. Increasing localization has become critically important in the success of sales and marketing. This program will give an insight of why and how Toyota is localizing its operations in the US. Space are limited, please register as soon as possible. A RSVP is hereby enclosed.
    - Toyota Agenda
    - Toyota Registration Form

 

• CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION.

    On February 12, Tuesday, we shall be celebrating the Year of the Rat in Chicago. A traditional 10 course Chinese dinner will be served. Venue is to be determined. The Honorable Huang Ping, Consul General and other Consuls from the Consulate General  of the People’s Republic have been invited, and Dr. Bill Testa, Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago is confirmed to give a review and forecast of the world economy. Invitation will be sent out in the second week of January 2008. As spaces are extremely limited, please register as soon as possible.

 

• Executive Briefing for the China International Industry Fair. Janurary 18, 2008, Chicago
     It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Shanghai Foreign Economic Relation & Trade Commission, The Consulate General of the PRC in Chicago, and US-China Chamber of Commerce to invite you to an Executive Briefing for the Visiting Delegation led by Wang Qingjiang, Division Chief of the Trade Promotion Division of the Commission for the China International Industry Fair. This event will be held on January 18, Friday, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Mid America Club in Chicago. This event is BY INVITATION ONLY. I hope that you will join us on this special occasion. We look forward to seeing you on January 18. Spaces are limited to only 20 participants. Please accept our late invitation, and RSVP at your earliest convenience by contacting our office at (312) 368-9911.


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