Share this article
CGCC’s 2020 Annual Business Survey spotlights a path forward for Chinese Enterprises in the U.S.
On
September 22nd, 2020, China General Chamber of Commerce - USA (CGCC) hosted
“Chinese Business Operations Responding to the Cultural Challenges and Current
Public Opinion Environment in the U.S.” webinar, the third of its 2020 “The
Path Forward” event series. Over a hundred guests and representatives from CGCC
member companies and non-profit organizations joined the session.
With
the aim of interpreting recent policies and PR environment towards Chinese
businesses in the U.S. from a practical perspective, the webinar echoed with
key findings from CGCC’s 2020 Annual Business Survey Report, and further explored on the U.S. investment
environment, the upcoming U.S. presidential cycle, and business operations
between the two countries. As demonstrated in the survey results, cultural
differences between the U.S. and China emerged as one of the top challenges
operating businesses in the States. Meanwhile, more than 50% of surveyed
Chinese companies have been adversely impacted by the anti-China rhetoric and
fallout between the two countries during the coronavirus pandemic.
He
Jianzhong, Chairman of CGCC-Houston and SVP & Head of Houston Office of
ICBC (US) NA, delivered the welcoming remarks. “In a year marked by tumult, it
is crucial to ascertain how the Chinese businesses would adapt, innovate,
survive - and even thrive - through this uncertain time,” said Mr. He. He also
highlighted that “we hope today’s discussion can bring all of us one step
closer to finding peace and the opportunity for collaboration, growth, and
sustainability between the two largest economies in the world.”
The
panel brought together distinguished guests from the U.S.-China business
community including Xiao Yuqiang, Vice Chairman of CGCC, Chairman of US
Management Committee of ICBC, General Manager of ICBC New York Branch; Charles
C. Foster, Chairman of Foster LLP; Mark Duval, President of Terex Greater China
& General Manager of AWP Greater China, Immediate Past President of The
American Chamber of Commerce in China; and Jiang Feng, Director of M&A,
Zhejiang Hailiang Co., Ltd. David J. Firestein, President/CEO of the George H.
W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, moderated the discussion.
The
panelists shared their view on the current U.S.- China relations and how their
businesses/organizations have been impacted by the pandemic. Mr. Duval foresees
that “We are going to see increasing fragmentation around technology, data, and
sectors that links to national security interests.” While Mr. Xiao firmly
believes that “from the long run,
decoupling is not beneficial for both parties.” He also pointed out that the
efforts of the two countries to work together and confront COVID-19 is more
important than pointing fingers at each other. Regarding the recently tightened
U.S. policies on immigration, “I expected some of the bans will expire at the
end of the year” said Mr. Foster. Mr. Jiang emphasized that the U.S. and China
are good partners as well as competitors, and despite the current fractions,
“economy speaks louder, the political climate is only temporary.” With the
current ban on WeChat and Tiktok, Mr. Duval believes that there is an element
of reciprocity and paranoia. Mr. Foster commented that “in a way, we are
cutting our nose off despite our face because everyone doing business with
China is on WeChat.”
At
the end of the discussion, panelists were asked by the audience what the U.S.
and China business leaders can do to be a voice and lead the bilateral
relationship back in the right direction. Mr. Duval said that it comes down to
the fundamental nature of platforms such as CGCC and AmCham, “it’s all about
communication, building bridges, and improving understanding. The more we
communicate and engage, the better we understand each other, and the better we
can work together.”
CGCC,
CGCC Foundation, and CGCC-Houston extend great appreciation to all the
panelists and participants for their support.
Please find event slides and speaker bio here.