President George H. W. Bush; Siva Yam, President; Prescott s. Bush, Jr., Founder and Chairman 1993-2003
The Hon. Haley Barbour, Former Governor of Mississippi, spoke at US-China-Japan Automotive Conference and was high level delegation from China
At the invitation of President George W. Bush, USCCC led a delegation to the White House to honor the visit of His Excellency Wen Jiabao, former Premier from China.
President George H. W. Bush; Siva Yam, President; Prescott s. Bush, Jr., Founder and Chairman 1993-2003
Founded in 1993 in St. Louis by the late Prescott Sheldon Bush, Jr., United States of America-China Chamber of Commerce (USCCC) has evolved and grown into a well-recognized, bi-national membership organization with representation in major cities both in the U.S. and China. It is known for its impartiality, honesty, and diversity. In the last 30 years, USCCC has worked relentlessly to promote the understanding between the peoples of the U.S. and China through increased trade and investment and has assisted over 20,000 businesses and individuals in their pursuits of cross-border opportunities. It has expanded its reach to other nations with a focus on the emerging economies, notably, Vietnam, the Philippines and others in Asia Pacific. USCCC has established a sister organization, U.S.-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and is in the process of setting up operation in the Philippines. Today, over 10,000 companies and professionals maintain active dialog with the organization. Of whom, 98% are U.S. corporations, and 90% are in manufacturing. USCCC has repositioned itself in 2024 and will proactively expand its business and social network, expedite trade and ecommerce, and facilitate cross-border financing activities.
Upcoming Events
137th CANTON FAIR INFORMATION SESSION AND NETWORKING RECEPTION
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In-Person – By Invitation Only
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce (“USCCC “) and China Foreign Trade Centre cordially invite you to the “137th Canton Fair Information Session and Networking Reception,” which will be held in person on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kimpton Hotel – The Journeyman, 310 E. Chicago Street Milwaukee, WI 53202.
China Import and Export Fair, also known as “Canton Fair,” is China’s Number One Trade Fair. Started in 1957, it has been held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, China, for 136 sessions. It is a comprehensive international trade event with the longest history, the largest scale, the most complete exhibit variety, the largest buyer attendance, the most diverse buyer origin, and the greatest business turnover in China. It plays a key role in advancing trade cooperation between China and the rest of the world.
The last session of Canton Fair, which was held in the fall of 2024, attracted overseas buyers from 224 countries and regions, with 253,000 attending in person. In addition, 450,000 overseas buyers also joined the trade show online.
The 137th Canton Fair is scheduled to run from April 15 to May 5 in three phases with different product categories. It will feature over 45,000 exhibitors in a complex of 1.55 million square meters. The fair will provide global buyers with a one-stop trading platform featuring complete exhibit variety, quality products with competitive pricing, and convenient, efficient and reliable services.
This information session will provide important information and guidance to companies and professionals interested in sourcing products from China, selling products to the growing Chinese consumer market, and exploring new business opportunities to navigate the Fair efficiently and cost effectively. A cocktail and networking reception will follow the information session. The reception provides a unique opportunity for companies and professionals to meet and get acquainted with those who are interested and engaged in international business with a focus on the U.S. and Asia.
There is NO fee to attend this “by invitation” information session. However, spaces are limited, and NO walk-in registrations will be taken. Please contact our office at info@usccc.org or 312-368-9911 for further information. Alternatively, you can contact me at sivayam@usccc.org or 312-368-9030. Attire is business and business casual.
If you plan to go to the Canton Fair, please contact our office so that we can inform the organizer to VIP you. USCCC also provides expedited and emergency visa and passport processing services.
We thank you and look forward to seeing you on March 27.
Siva Yam, CPA, CFA
President
U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
19 South La Salle Street
Suite 707
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel: 312-368-9911 (Main); 312-368-9030 (Direct)
Fax: 312-368-9922
Email: sivayam @usccc.org
Website: www.usccc.org
New Sub-Committees
Manufacturing Leadership
Life Science
USCCC is proud to announce that it has established two new sub-committees to pursue a more focused approach to line up resources to assist businesses in the manufacturing and life science sectors.
The Manufacturing Sub-Committee will be led by Donald W. Hall is the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President Finance for Zippo Manufacturing Company and all of its subsidiaries to include W. R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and Northern Lights Enterprise, Inc. the world most well-known brand that has sold over 600 million lighters.
The Life Science Sub-Committee will be co-led by Thomas Forest Farb-Horch and Dr. Jabali Wells. Tom is CEO and Co-Founder of Boston-based Thrive Bioscience. Tom has had seven unicorns (company value of $1 billion or greater), primarily in the fields of artificial intelligence and life sciences. In total, he has started 18 companies and has served on numerous publicly traded tech and life science companies. Jabali is a private equity professional and global healthcare executive with more than 20 years of combined investment, management, policy and clinical medicine experience. He currently serves as Founding Managing Partner and of Blackpoll Capital Partners, LLC, a private equity firm that invests in middle market healthcare companies located throughout the U.S. and Latin America. Appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, he currently serves on the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum.
For more information, please contact Siva Yam at 312-368-9030.
Re-Positioning of USCCC
USCCC, which was founded by the late Prescott Sheldon Bush, Jr. 30 years ago with the mission dedicated to developing increased U.S.-China trade and investment activities, has recently been repositioned to reflect the fundamental changes in the international economic environment. USCCC will be repositioned to directly engage companies and professionals commercially to conduct successful cross border business activities . We are expanding our network, better managing our database, proactively identifying opportunities, and aligning resources more effectively and efficiently.
As part of our repositioning, we have recently formed a new Board of Directors to provide stronger leadership and resources. We will continue to add members to our Board diligently. In addition, we have established the first Advisory Board and are in the process of setting up subcommittees with specific missions to facilitate trade and investment in targeted segments.
We are honored that the some of the most senior and experienced business leaders have accepted our invitations to serve on our Board of Directors and Advisory Board. USCCC will continue to build its boards and form new committees to better serve its members and the community in the new digital era. [List of Directors and Advisors]
22nd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference Another Success and Lou Longo, Engagement Partner Honored
USCCC is pleased that its 22nd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference that was held on July 13 and 14 was another success. During the luncheon, Lou Longo, CPA, Lead Consulting Partner, Global Service at Plante Moran and a Director of USCCC, was recognized for his leadership and his contribution to U.S.-China business. Lou, a true professional with a passion for humanitarian missions that support malnourished people in underdeveloped countries, is the leader of Plante Moran’s international team. His commitment to his clients’ best interest has earned his team an AICPA Practice Innovation Award. He is also a strong advocate for racial and gender equity, and despite a very busy international travel schedule, he serves as Plante Moran’s chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, and he was featured on Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2023 list of Notable Leaders in DEI.
About 100 business owners and corporate executives attended the conference and shared their experiences. 90% of them are principal owners, CEOs, COOs, CFOs, director of global sourcing, marketing. Over 25 practitioners with in-depth experience spoke at this extraordinary event. The Honorable Zhao Jian, Consul General of PRC in Chicago delivered a morning keynote speech. This annual event addressed many timely issues that were critical in making informed decisions in today's dynamic and unpredictable business environment. 23rd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference on September 12 and 13 in Chicago. Please save the date. Selected conference materials for past events will be posted shortly.
Special Announcements
China Alerts
China National Day - October 1, 2024
For foreign issued documents to be used in China legally, they had to be authenticated by Chinese Embassy or Consulates in the past. China has become a full member of the Hague Convention effective November 7, 2023, and foreign issued documents will NO longer need to be authenticated by the Chinese Consular Service. They will simply be apostilled by the state that has jurisdiction over the origination of the documents. USCCC continues to provide authentication services for other countries and apostille services with the states. For additional information, please contact our office.
Travel to China
Updated Process in Applying for a Chinese Visa
I strongly advise you to apply for the Chinese visa ASAP if you do need to make a trip in the next 45 days and currently do not have a valid visa as the process is complicated and requires time. Please note that if you are holding a valid visa, such as 10-year multiple entries, you can use your current visa and will NOT require to apply for a new visa to enter China. Please contact our office if you have any questions.
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates have been reopened, and applications for visa must now be submitted in person either by the applicant or a third party. Please note that the application new form is 8 pages, and a number of documents are required. You can download the file below, which contains detailed information and tips to help you navigate the process, save time, and minimize rejection. The Chinese consulate, however, may require additional information and may have additional questions after reviewing your application. You should also visit the Chinese Embassy and Consulates website for additional information.
USCCC provides courier hand carry service to submit the Chinese visa applications to save you at least two trips to the Chinese Consulate and will also guide you to obtain your visa expeditiously.
For more information, please download the following guidelines
Elimination of certain COVID related requirements
for entering and exiting China
COVID Vaccination is no longer required to enter China.
China has also removed all pre-entry COVID testing requirements.
Both inbound and outbound travelers no longer need to file a health declaration form with customs.
Resumption of Visas Issued Before March 28, 2020.
The suspension of valid visas issued before March 28, 2020 during COVID has been lifted on March 15, 2023. If you are holding a valid visa, you can travel to China without applying for a new one.
If your valid visa is on an old, expired passport, you can travel to China with BOTH the expired passport that has the visa and a current valid passport provided personal information on both passports are identical.
In the past, if you did not want to carry both passports, you could cancel your current valid visa and apply for a new 10-year multiple entry visa so that the new valid visa will be on your new passport. As of this time, unless your current valid Chinese has less than 6 months left, you will not be abel to apply for a new visa. Please contact our office for further information.
Temporary Reduction of Visa Fee
A temporary reduction of visa fees from $185 to $140 ($45) has become effective from December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
Elimination of Certain Required Documents
For tourist visas, applicants no longer require proof of round-trip airfare, hotel bookings or itinerary.
Five Optimized Visa Measures
Relaxed conditions for foreign nationals applying for port visas for most visitors who are unable to obtain a visa beforehand due to time constraints. They may now apply for a port visa at a port visa authority with an invitation letter and other accompanying documents.
Foreign nationals eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit policy are exempt from border inspection at nine international airports in China
Foreign nationals already in China can apply for visa extension, renewal, and reissuance at the nearest public security organs.
Every foreign national already in China can apply for a multiple-entry visa in cases of need.
The types of materials for visa applications for foreign nationals in China have been minimized.
USCCC provides expedited Chinese visa processing services and can work with you to navigate the complex process (please note that the 9 pages application form must be completed and submitted online but the actual submission of the documents and passport must be in person.) Please contact Mai Hoang at 312-368-9029 or maihoang@usccc.org
U.S. Passports
As of January 1, 2016 you can no longer add additional pages to your US Passport. You must renew your passport if you have no blank pages in your passport.
If you travel internationally frequently, you should consider apply for a second passport. The benefit of having a second passport is that you will be able to keep one passport with you as you travel, while the second remains at your home or office to be processed for your next trip abroad.
USCCC offers “Hand Carry Courier U.S. Passport Processing Service.” The number of slots for each courier to hand submit the application has been increased from two to four a day, and the express processing time now is three to five days. Not only does hand carry courier service save processing time, but also it offers better tracking and direct dialog with the passport processing center when problems occur. Please contact USCCC for further information.
Document Authentication
In celebration of the National Day, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates will be closed from October 1 to October 4. During that time, no visa application will be processed. If you plan to make a trip to Chin and do not have a Chinese visa, you may need to make changes to your itinerary. Please contact our office ASAP to see what options are available. Our office's email is info@usccc.org and phone number is 312-368-9911. Thank you.
Past Events
23rd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference
USCCC held its 23rd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference at the Union League Club of Chicago on September 12 and 13. Over 100 business owners and senior corporate executives and over 20 speakparticipated in this extraordinary event.
Mr. Juan González, CEO and Chairman of Board of GRUMA (Mission Foods), and Director of the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years, is being honored as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for dedicated services to strengthening and promoting understanding among the peoples of the United States, China, and Mexico.
GRUMA is a Mexican multinational corn masa flour, tortilla, wraps, snacks, and flatbread manufacturing company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico. Its brand names include Mission, Maseca, and Guerrero. With 75 plants around the world, including China, and sales in over 110 countries, GRUMA is the world’s largest and most recognizable tortilla, wraps and corn masa flour producer.
Mr. González holds an MBA from the University of San Diego. Being highly regarded as one of the most successful business leaders in Mexico, he was instrumental in the startup and success of GRUMA in the United States, where it currently operates 27 plants. [Read More}