The GCP, in collaboration with U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hosts China's Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States

Friday, October 03, 2008

Cleveland, October 03, 2008 - The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its TradeRoots program, hosted a meeting for GCP members with Minister Xie Feng, deputy chief of mission, Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Traderoots is a national trade education program dedicated to raising public awareness about the importance of international trade to local communities.  The Cleveland program, "China Business 2008: Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Companies," was sponsored locally by Charter One, Ohio, and nationally by the Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Minister Xie was welcomed by Randall Stickler, president of Charter One, Ohio, and introduced by Myron Brilliant, vice president, Asia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  Minister Xie noted that the business relationship between China and the U.S. has experienced exponential growth over the past 30 years. "China is working to increase its exports in the international market," he said.  He observed that China, when combined with Hong Kong, is the United States' third largest export market after Canada and Mexico. He also noted that American companies doing business in China are positioned for growth due to China's rapidly growing consumer market.

A discussion on the fundamentals of doing business in China followed Minister Xie's remarks. Steve Alexander, president and CEO, The Adelson Center, Jeffery Bernstein, founder and managing director, Emerge Logistics Co., LTD, and Brian Strebel, vice president, Smart Sourcing Inc., were on the panel moderated by William Zarit, deputy assistant secretary, international operations, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Dept. of Commerce. 

Alexander described the Adelson Center, established by the founder of the Las Vegas Sands, as serving as a two-way platform for various types of assistance, know-how and contacts that can help small- to-mid-sized companies in both the U.S. and China pursue opportunities.  Bernstein, who is also founder and managing director of the Ohio China Center, which provides exporters from Ohio with on-the-ground support in China, said companies must be aware of cultural differences before beginning expansion in China.  Strebel's remarks included a discussion of advantages that the China market offers to American companies, such as an abundant supply of quality labor and raw materials, government incentives, and access to the growing Chinese and Asian consumer markets.

For more information about the program, please e-mail Dan Berry, the GCP's senior vice president for organizational advancement.

Click here  to see photos from the event.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and improve the economic vitality of the region. On behalf of its more than 17,700 members, the GCP advocates with one voice; advances small business success; accelerates economic inclusion; builds a high-impact, sustainable economic development system; changes the face of Cleveland; strengthens global connections; and initiates a demand-driven talent system.  The GCP is a founder and proud supporter of the Cleveland Plus marketing campaign. http://www.gcpartnership.com .

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