Building Stronger China-US Ties Through Business

Since the establishment of China-US diplomatic ties over four decades ago, business communities have been playing an important role in building bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (CGCC) and CGCC Foundation, the largest non-profit organization representing Chinese investment in the US, hosted the 2020 Lunar New Year Gala in New York City on January 8. More than 600 business leaders, government officials and representatives from the US and China attended the gala to celebrate the Year of the Rat and CGCC’s 15th anniversary.

 

“While the relationship has become ever more complex and markets face constant volatility and uncertainty, this evening is a true testament to your commitment to dialogue and the restoration of trust and bilateral cooperation,” Xu Chen, CGCC Chairman and President and CEO of Bank of China USA, said in his opening remarks at the gala. 

 

Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the US, said in his keynote speech that with China and the US having reached a phase one trade agreement, “dialogue and consultation based on equality and mutual respect will eventually lead to a win-win outcome.” 

 

Cui praised the vital role business communities have played in the growth of China-US relations. “You were deeply involved every time this relationship went through ups and downs,” Cui said.

 

Despite a difficult situation rarely seen in the past 40 years of China-US ties, Cui said the relationship “will move forward in the right direction and in a sound and steady manner.”

 

Cui stressed that a China-US relationship that enjoys long-term, sound and steady growth will continue to provide historic opportunities for Chinese and American companies and people. 

 

He expressed his hope the business communities “will live up to the corporate social responsibility of supporting the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

 

Cui also hoped that the business communities will stand against anyone trying to create confrontation and hatred to undercut China-US relations, and would lend positive impetus to bilateral friendship and cooperation.

 

“No one can stop the friendly exchanges between 1.7 billion Chinese and Americans, and no one has the power to lead our two great nations astray to conflict and confrontation.” Cui iterated.

 

At the gala, four individuals and companies received awards from CGCC for their contributions to strengthening China-US business ties and continued commitment to corporate social responsibility.

 

James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, was honored with the “Goodwill Ambassador for China-US Exchange Award.” Cho Tak Wong, Chairman and Founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group received “The Most Influential Business Person of the Year Award.” International Vitamin Corporation and ND Paper were presented with the “Excellence in Job Creation and Economic Development Award.” 

 

In addition, 12 CGCC member companies were recognized as the “CGCC 15th Anniversary Outstanding Contribution Honorees” for their ongoing support of CGCC’s mission and growth.

 

Founded in 2005, CGCC has more than 1,500 Chinese and US companies as its members. As of 2018, CGCC’s Chinese member companies have cumulatively invested over US$120 billion, employ more than 200,000 people, and support over 1 million jobs throughout the US.