Beijing – The new U.S. ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, joined almost 500 guests of the American Chamber of Commerce in China for its annual celebration of U.S. Independence Day this weekend. Branstad, who arrived in Beijing to take up his new position only four days earlier, told the sold-out crowd that he and his family were enjoying their first few days in China and the celebration with AmCham China.

“We are very happy to spend this time with AmCham [China] members and with their families,” Branstad said. “We are proud to serve the American people and to represent the United States here in the great country of China.”

Held at Beijing's upscale NUO Hotel, the celebrations featured live music, baseball, BBQ, and a prize draw for a round-trip flight to the U.S. courtesy of Delta Airlines. The other premium sponsors included GM, Universal Studios, Yew Chung International School of Beijing, and Oasis International Hospital.

More than 500 guests enjoyed food, drink, and entertainment at the AmCham China Independence Day event.

 

“We were delighted to have an opportunity for the Ambassador to speak with members of the business community in China,” said Alan Beebe, President of AmCham China. “The U.S.-China trade and investment relationship is one of the most important in world, and we are looking forward to working together on the issues that are important to our members and to Americans.”

At the event AmCham China presented the ambassador with a special gift to make him feel at home. The former governor of Iowa is an avid fan of the Iowa State Fair, which is famous for the number of foods available “on a stick,” so the chamber gave him a traditional Chinese equivalent – candied hawthorns on a stick.

AmCham China presented the Ambassador and his family with a traditional Chinese snack to welcome him to Beijing.

 

Celebrations also took place over the weekend at AmCham China’s chapter in Tianjin, and also last weekend at the Central China chapter in Wuhan.  

About AmCham China

The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose membership comprises more than 3,300 individuals from 900 companies operating across China. The chamber's nationwide mission is to help American companies succeed in China through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. AmCham China is the only officially recognized chamber of commerce representing American business in mainland China. With offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Shenyang and Wuhan, AmCham China has more than 50 working groups, and holds more than 250 events each year. Visit: www.amchamchina.org

For more information, please contact:

Agnes Wang

Tel: (8610) 8519-0835

Email: awang@amchamchina.org