AmCham-China Signs Strategic Cooperative Agreements with Ten Municipal and Provincial Governments

BEIJING, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham-China) announced the signing of 10 strategic cooperative agreements with provinces and municipal governments throughout China. The landmark cooperation agreements support business growth and economic development in China, and promote bilateral investment and trade. The announcement was made at the Ninth Annual Appreciation Dinner hosted by AmCham-China and its members to celebrate the longstanding cooperation and friendship between the organization and Chinese officials.

As China's economy develops, AmCham-China continues to support its members and the business community to develop economically and forge closer ties and deeper commitments to China.

The Appreciation Dinner keynote address was delivered by Chen Deming, Minister of the Ministry of Commerce. He commented on the current Sino-US economic relations. "American enterprises in China bring significant value to China and their success in China also benefits their home market," he said. "As China's economy continues growing, American and other economies will also develop. In a globalized world, no one will survive without others."

"This is the 30 year anniversary of reform and opening in China and we applaud the impressive economic and social achievements China has made. AmCham-China is a member driven organization and we recognize that the opportunity to work throughout China would not be possible without the Chinese government's vision and achievements," said AmCham-China Chairman James Zimmerman.

The strategic cooperative agreements signed with 10 provinces and municipal governments throughout China form a framework for increased cooperation between local governments and AmCham-China members. The strategic cooperative agreements also set the stage for additional cooperation in promoting economic development projects, information sharing and support in organizing and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences.

Agreements were signed between AmCham-China and the departments of commerce for:

* The city of Chongqing,

* Anhui Province,

* Hebei Province,

* Heilongjiang Province,

* Henan Province,

* Hubei Province,

* Qinghai Province,

* Shandong Province,

* Shanxi Province,

* Sichuan Province.

"While the current global economic situation is serious, China's dynamic business environment continues to provide development opportunities for AmCham-China members. Earlier this year we established new AmCham-China Chapters in Tianjin and Central China to support our growing membership there," said AmCham-China President Michael Barbalas.

AmCham-China's Annual Appreciation Dinner was attended by more than 800 Chinese and US government officials, and AmCham-China members and guests. In addition to the speech by Chen Deming, Dan Piccuta, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Beijing, made an address.

The theme of this year's Appreciation Dinner was, "Celebrating 30 Years of Reform & Opening (1978-2008)." Special guests included a host of former Chinese government VIP's and officials including:

* Former Vice Chairman of State Planning Commission, Gan Ziyu,

* Foreign Director Investment Bureau, Feng Tianshun,

* Former Deputy Director of the State Institutional Reform Commission,

Gao Shangquan,

* Former Deputy Director of the State Council Development Research

Center, Wang Yuzhao,

* First Chief Negotiator of China Access to WTO and Former Vice Minister

of Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, Shen Jueren,

* Second Chief Negotiator of China Access to WTO and Former Vice

Minister of Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, Tong

Zhiguang,

* Former Chinese Ambassador to the UN and later the US, Li Daoyu,

* Former Vice Minister of the State Administration of Taxation, Xu

Shanda,

* Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yang Wenchang,

* Former Chairman of China's Security Regulatory Commission, Zhou

Daojiong,

* Former Minister of Machine Building Industry, He Guangyuan.

About The American Chamber of Commerce in China:

AmCham-China is a Beijing-based, non-profit organization representing the interests of some 2,700 companies and individuals doing business throughout China. For more information, visit: http://www.amchamchina.org

For media inquiries, contact:

Ulan Tuya

Media Relations Manager

AmCham-China

Tel: +86-10-8519-0835

Email: utuya@amchamchina.org