New York – July 16th, 2026 – The China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (CGCC) and the CGCC Foundation successfully hosted "The Path Forward 2026" forum at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) New York Branch in New York City.
Under the theme "Mutual Benefit: Uncovering New Opportunities for U.S.-China Economic and Trade Relations," the forum brought together about 100 guests from business, policy, academia, and the nonprofit sector to discuss the future direction of U.S.-China economic cooperation at a pivotal moment for bilateral relations and global economic recovery.
Jianyu ZHANG, Chair of CGCC and CEO of ICBC U.S. Region, welcomed guests to the forum and underscored the business community’s vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.
“For the business community, this is a moment of both responsibility and opportunity. For decades, businesses from both countries have invested in one another, created jobs, driven innovation, strengthened supply chains, and delivered tangible benefits to consumers and communities on both sides of the Pacific. This foundation of mutual benefit remains strong, and it deserves our continued confidence,” Chair Zhang said.
CHEN Li, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, delivered a keynote address.
CHEN Li, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, delivered keynote remarks encouraging the U.S.-China business community to continue to take active steps, “Let the economic and trade corporation continue to serve as an anchor and an engine for China–US cooperation, and bring more benefits to the people of both countries,” said Consul General Chen.
Susan M. Elliott, President and CEO of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, also delivered a keynote remarks where she shared her perspectives on the current international business and political landscape, U.S.–China relations, and the emerging challenges and opportunities facing global cooperation.
In a fireside chat moderated by Mike Walter, Principal Evening Anchor and host of Full Frame on CGTN America, Steven Fulop, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City and former Mayor of Jersey City, drew upon his experience in municipal government and public-private partnerships to discuss the important role international companies play in supporting urban growth and local economic development.
Glori Norwitt, Connecticut Envoy for International Engagement at AdvanceCT, delivered a special presentation on Connecticut’s business environment, highlighting how U.S. state and local governments support international investment and business growth.
The second half of the forum opened with a keynote address by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President of the Institute of International Finance. Addressing the global macroeconomic outlook, international trade, financial markets, and the development of artificial intelligence, Mr. Lowery offered an in-depth analysis of how inflation trends, interest-rate trajectories, and shifts in central bank policies are affecting global liquidity. He also shared his perspectives on how companies can strengthen resilience and pursue long-term growth amid the challenges posed by digital financial innovation and AI governance.
The forum also featured a special dialogue drawing upon findings from the 2026 CGCC Annual Business Survey Report.
Abby LI, Director of Corporate Communications and Research at CGCC, and Alex HAO, Board Director of CGCC and Partner at JunHe LLP, discussed emerging brand trends, regulatory and geopolitical considerations, localization strategies, and the capabilities Chinese companies need to build lasting success in global markets.
The forum concluded with a panel discussion titled “The U.S.-China Business Community Amid the New Positioning of Bilateral Relations.”
Left to Right: David Schner, President of LEADERS Magazine, Wally Hsueh, Staff Vice President of International Affairs at FedEx, Richard Gossett, Founder and CEO of Ramsports International, and Allen Xiong, VP of Business and Operations at Gotion.
The panel featured Wally Hsueh, Staff Vice President of International Affairs at FedEx, Richard Gossett, Founder and CEO of Ramsports International, and Allen Xiong, VP of Business and Operations at Gotion.
CGCC and the CGCC Foundation extend a sincere thanks to ICBC U.S. Region, SCG America, all speakers, and guests for their strong support and active participation.
Moderated by David Schner, President of LEADERS Magazine, the discussion brought together senior executives with extensive experience in global supply chains, local investment, business operations, and international cooperation. Panelists shared frontline industry perspectives on business confidence, cross-border investment, corporate localization, and the importance of sustained commercial engagement between the United States and China.
About China General Chamber of Commerce – USA
Founded in 2005, the China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (CGCC) is one of the largest and most influential nonprofit organizations representing the U.S. and Chinese business communities. As an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental chamber of commerce, CGCC is committed to creating value, generating economic growth, and enhancing cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese business communities, providing rich resources and quality services to over a thousand American and Chinese companies.
About CGCC Foundation
Established in 2014, the CGCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The mission of the CGCC Foundation is to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and China through research, public charity, and engagement in economic, cultural, and social exchanges.