The author is the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China and Vice-Chairman-China of the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce.
I recall in 2003, having recently been elected President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, leading a small delegation to take part in the 7th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen. At that time our chamber was growing, and so was the fair.
That year I visited Gulangyu Island, and found not only charming streets and delicious local foods but also a red brick building that reminded me of home. That building was built to be a United States Consulate in 1930, a fact that illustrates Xiamen's long history of being a gateway into China, and a gateway for China to the world.
Every year since then I have led a delegation to CIFIT, and every year our delegation has grown along with the fair. The number of participants from every country imaginable, and the volume of deals made-last year a staggering USD22.99 billion-attest to the vital importance of CIFIT for any enterprise concerned with going global.
In 2006 AmCham South China's delegation of more than 80 companies received a great contribution award, which I accepted on behalf of the delegation from former Vice-Premier Wu Yi.
Last year, more than 100 major international companies joined our delegation, and this year I expect we will break that record. CIFIT continues to be the investment fair in China that attracts the most attention from our more than 1,200 member companies, and so I must say that CIFIT truly deserves to be considered "AmCham's Most Valuable Fair."
I have no doubt that the whole world will be paying close attention to CIFIT along with our delegation, and I have no doubt that this year's 12th CIFIT will be the biggest, most successful event yet held. I have such confidence in CIFIT because I have witnessed first-hand the vital role it plays not only in promoting investment in China, but in helping the Chinese economy to "go global."
Strong Growth of AmCham Guangdong under Mr. Harley Seyedin
During his tenure as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Guangdong, with strong support from Executive Director, Tim Shaver, AmCham has built a very strong relationship with various Chinese government leaders at central, provincial, and local levels. This was most evident during the 2005 APCAC Annual Meeting in Guangzhou, China. AmCham Guangdong’s membership has grown from just over 200 to over 800 and continues to grow at a very fast pace and is expected to exceed 1,000 by mid 2006, while revenues have grown by six folds.
American Chamber of Commerce in South China
Chris Laidlaw, Acting Executive Director
Harley Seyedin, President
339 Huanshi Dong Lu, Suite 1603, Main Tower Guangzhou , Guangdong , PRC 510098
Tel: (86-20) 8335-1476
Fax: (86-20) 8332-1642
Email: Claidlaw@amcham-southchina.orgWebsite: www.amcham-southchina.org
SOURCE: By Harley Seyedin (China Daily)
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