AmCham-China

AmCham-China welcomes companies of all sizes to join the Central China Chapter and be part of a growing business resource for the region. The Central China Chapter helps its members spread achieve their business objectives by:

• Providing effective government advocacy on local, provincial, and national levels
• Organizing frequent and engaging business networking opportunities
• Providing access to regular US Consulate Briefings, as well as other important business resources and the latest information.

Fortune 500 companies, along with medium and small enterprises, have joined forces to help their businesses grow and thrive in this emerging market. Those who serve on the Chapter’s Executive Committee all live and work in Central China. They understand the local business environment and are developing events and programs to meet the specific needs of the business people within their region.

AmCham-China’s Central China Chapter organizes regular networking events, including monthly chapter mixers, consulate briefings, and informative seminars featuring industry leaders and experts. These events are great opportunities to network within the business community while getting to know chamber members, leaders and staff.

“The opportunities that arise from these networking events are very beneficial to me，offering various platforms to build business relationships, while gaining informative information and exchanging ideas.”   -   Steve Carpenter, Diamond Power

To review Recent Events click here. To see a complete list of Upcoming Events please click here.

The Central China Chapter organizes topical events where industry leaders and experts share their market intelligence on a range of business issues. These events give members the chance to meet and discuss new business trends and share best business practices. For a complete list of Upcoming Events click here, or to review Recent Events click here.

Following the opening of the Central China US Consulate Office in Wuhan, AmCham-China works in conjunction with the Consulate to hold briefings for members on the latest policies affecting American businesses. These briefings provide valuable insight into China’s macroeconomic situation and US-China bilateral relations. Click here to listen to a China Brief Insight Podcast with Diane Sovereign.

“The Central China Chapter connects members with the most up-to-date information on policies and issues concerning our businesses in China. I have attended many of the US Embassy Briefings and find they provide helpful, day-to-day information for the business I run, as well as updating us on the development of the relationship between the US and China.”   -   Janie Corum, Aloha Business Services

The Provincial Trips Program is a critical business resource for AmCham-China members. These provincial trips provide members with insight into possible locations for expanding operations and developing new markets, especially inland 2nd and 3rd tier cities. Our trip agendas offer members access to local government officials and key industry leaders who provide updates and information to help assess potential investment opportunities. Past trips have included a trip to Hubei Province and meetings with Governor Li Hongzhong, Vice Governor Tian Chengzhong, and Wuhan Mayor Ruan Chengfa. To learn more about our Provincial Trips click here.

“I highly recommend attending the Provincial Trips part of the Central China Chapter’s program. It is an excellent way to gain insight on different locations in China that could possibly help expand your business. The fact the Central China Chapter is the main conveyor between costal and inland areas gives members the chance to explore many options and further develop their business prospects.”   -   Qiqing Jiang, Cummins

AmCham-China is the preferred channel for members when dealing with issues affecting U.S.-China trade relations. Working in conjunction with government officials, the Central China Chapter provides a collective voice for U.S. business interests, working to cement a cohesive relationship between inland and coastal cities, as well as all U.S. and Chinese business associations. Past advocacy projects include the Hubei Province Program in Shanghai, promoting links between the Shanghai area and Central China to help better coordinate investment opportunities between the two regions. To learn more about AmCham-China’s Advocacy click here.

“Advocacy is a way for members of AmCham-China to support the progression of the U.S.-China relationship through working directly with government officials. Ensuring that U.S.-China business relations progress and expand, the Central China Chapter has contributed in many advocacy projects in the short time since our chapter has opened.”   -   Tom Tong, Diamond Power

Janie Corum serves as the Chair of AmCham-China’s Central China Chapter Executive Committee. She is also the Owner and General Manager of Aloha Business Service Company, Ltd., and serves as a Warden for the U.S. Embassy in Wuhan.

The Central China Chapter is dedicated to develop a locally run, member driven business organization to help local American businesses and other foreign enterprises gain access to key decision makers while providing opportunities for networking, advocacy, and Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

Since the beginning of the Central China Chapter, we have worked closely with our Consulate General on several events. Past events have included: the Grand Opening of the US Consulate for Central China in Wuhan, two July 4th American Festivals, President Obama’s Inauguration-Live, the Consulate General’s English Corner Series, Consulate Briefings, and other activities. We have hosted New Member Mixers, along with the first Inter-Chamber Mixer in Wuhan that included the French Chamber of Commerce, the Dutch Trade Office, the South Korean Chamber of Commerce, the Wuhan Chamber of Commerce, and others. In addition, in January, 2010, the Chapter organized Wuhan’s first charity event hosted by a foreign business organization. The successful event raised in access of RMB 75,000, with the proceeds going to local, disadvantaged schools.

We are planning a full schedule of events for 2010 as we continue to grow and gain synergy within the region.

The Central China Chapter, although still developing, has contributed to the White Paper for the American Chamber of Commerce China since our inception. The While Paper continues to be the key advocacy piece for local and provincial government leaders and U.S. decision makers.

Central China continues to be a key hub for transportation for the entire nation. Located at the intersection of the Yangzte River and the North/South East/West Rail System, Wuhan is the fifth largest city in the nation and continues to play a pivotal role in the development of China. Moreover, as the third most important university city in the nation, the employee pool in Wuhan is vast. A growing number of Americans, as well as multi-national companies, have set up operations or plan to expand to Wuhan and Central China.

For those of us involved with pioneering the Central China Chapter of AmCham-China, we consider it a privilege to serve as your business resource in the region, and we look forward to many wonderful opportunities as we continue to expand.