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On April 20th, 2021, China General Chamber of Commerce - USA (CGCC) and the Former Members of Congress (FMC) association were honored to invite two former members of Congress, the Honorable Mike Bishop, and the Honorable Al Wynn, to speak with CGCC members on the role of Congress in formulating policies affecting Chinese companies in the U.S. The April 20th webinar was part of FMC’s “Insights into Congress” series, and its goal was to help contribute toward better U.S.-Chinese relations.
Chen XU, Chairman of CGCC and President & CEO of Bank of China U.S.A., welcomed the panelists and audience. “Over 40 years of financial trade and investments have benefited consumers and markets, but people-to-people relationships have always served as the cornerstone for resolving issues,” he said. “Businesses should engage with public officials to foster mutual understanding and trust.”
Co-Chair of the CGCC Government and Public Relations Committee, and Managing Director at Bank of China USA, Peter Reisman, moderated the discussion with former Congressman Mike Bishop, Republican from Michigan who served in Congress from 2014-2018, and former Congressman Al Wynn, Democrat from Maryland, who served from 1993-2008.
The wide ranging discussion was followed by a Q&A between the audience and the former Congressmen which focused on trade policy, U.S.-China relations under the new Biden administration, and very pragmatic advice on how corporations can best communicate with Capitol Hill. “We (U.S. and China) have a lot in common and a lot that we can cooperate on,” Wynn said. “We face serious headwinds. There is also a lot of opportunity. The key will be communication.” Bishop agreed, adding that it is essential for companies located in America to build relationships with their elected officials early, in Congress and at the state level, before legislation is written, and to communicate regularly with them about issues that concern them, from business and trade to social issues. “Elected officials represent the views of their constituents. They want to hear from you.”
Listen to the panel’s discussion in its entirety, covering a wide range of issues, below：
CGCC extends great appreciation to all the panelists and participants for their support in making the event a success.
About FMC:
Founded in 1970, and chartered by Congress in 1983, FMC is a completely bipartisan alliance of former Senators and Representatives whose mission is to support Congress and deepen the understanding of the U.S.’s democratic system, domestically and internationally. FMC’s international outreach programs include bipartisan legislative exchanges with countries around the globe, including China.
About CGCC:
Founded in 2005, China General Chamber of Commerce - USA (“CGCC”) has been recognized as the largest and most influential non-profit organization representing Chinese enterprises in the U.S. As an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental chamber of commerce, CGCC provides a broad range of programs, services, and resources to over a thousand multinational members across the U.S., with a mission to create value, generate economic growth, and enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese business communities.