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On November 20, 2023, CGCC-Chicago successfully held its 7th Annual Gala 2023. Themed “Let's Move Forward,” CGCC-USA served as one of the many sponsors for the event that hosted nearly 700 government officials, business leaders, experts, and scholars from the U.S. and China, with the aim of strengthening ties between the two nations. Several member company representatives from CGCC-USA participated in the event.
Mr. Wei HU, CGCC Chairman, President and CEO of Bank of China USA, delivered special remarks as part of the event program.
“Although Chicago is entering its winter season, the U.S.-China relationship shows signs of early spring," remarked Pin Ni, Chairman of CGCC Chicago. "The way to achieve peaceful coexistence and mutual development is through active engagement and open, honest dialogue.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, leaders from both countries expressed optimism about building trust and enhancing bilateral relations at the business level.
U.S. President Joe Biden conveyed his support in the letter to CGCC Chicago’s seventh annual gala, stating, “The United States welcomes foreign investment.” Both nations “share the responsibility to address transnational challenges that affect the lives of our peoples, including combating the climate crisis, and to maintain open lines of communication.”
Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois praised CGCC Chicago in his letter “I commend CGCG Chicago for its long-standing commitment to engaging leaders from both the public and private sectors, promoting economic exchange and innovation, and expanding business opportunities between the Midwest and China.”
Brandon Johnson, mayor of Chicago, proclaimed Nov. 20, 2023, as CGCC Chicago Impact Day in Chicago. He applauded CGCC Chicago's achievements in bringing Chinese investments to the Midwestern United States and strengthening China and Chicago's bilateral economic partnerships.
According to statistical data from the City of Chicago government, China stands as the largest trading partner for Chicago, with a trade volume reaching a staggering $102 billion in 2022. This represents a remarkable 162% growth over the past decade.
Representatives from both the government and industries call for greater cooperation between the two countries through people-to-people exchanges.
“We're better connected, and therefore better able to manage the major differences responsibly,” said Nicholas Burns, the U.S. Ambassador to China, in his video letter to CGCC Chicago 7th Annual Gala, “We agreed to promote and strengthen dialogue and cooperation between China and the United States in a number of fields, including artificial intelligence, and anti-narcotics cooperation. We also agreed to increase flights between our two countries and expand People to People cooperation, including education, culture, and sports.”
“I witnessed how the two presidents set the direction for bilateral relations at this critical moment, sensed the eagerness of both peoples for greater exchanges and cooperation, and also felt more acutely the extensive common interests between our two countries and the profound public support for China-U.S. friendship,” said Feng Xie, China's ambassador to the United States.
“In 2022, Illinois exported oil seeds and grains with a total value of about $5.5 billion to China. And 55000 Illinois jobs are supported by our exports to China to grow the economy in the state of Illinois,” said Eric Sorenson, the U.S. Congressman, “We need to make sure that we have a good trade relationship with China. We also need to make sure that we're investing so that we can build a sustainable Illinois for future generations.”
Tammy Duckworth, the U.S. Senator, sent her heartfelt congratulations for CGCC Chicago’s 7th annual gala in her video letter.
CGCC Chicago presented the “U.S.-China Friendship Envoy Award” to Max Baucus, the former U.S. Ambassador to China, acknowledging his enduring commitment to advancing U.S.-China relations and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
“While we are thankful for what we have,” said Baucus, “Let’s work hard to help to make sure that we do even better than what we have already.”
Pat Quinn, former governor of Illinois, highlighted “The most important thing right now is for the people of China and the United States to get to know each other better," "And that's why education and cultural exchange are so essential.”
CGCC congratulates the event on its success.