Governor of Anhui Province Wang Qingxian and Vice Chairwoman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Li Qingshuang were among the notable Chinese officials in attendance, reflecting the high-level support for international trade and business collaboration.
During the second session of the conference, Sean Stein, Chair of AmCham China, delivered remarks. Stein began by thanking the event’s hosts, particularly the Anhui provincial government and CCPIT, and highlighted the role of AmCham China in fostering economic ties between the US and China. He acknowledged the complexity of the US-China economic relationship, noting that while challenges such as market access and geopolitical tensions persist, continued dialogue and collaboration are key to addressing these issues.
Stein also pointed to recent high-level exchanges between the two nations—such as visits by US officials like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan—as positive steps towards finding mutually beneficial solutions. He highlighted the vital role of international chambers of commerce in facilitating business cooperation and supporting companies in navigating complex regulatory environments. Stein also praised Anhui Province for its welcoming business environment, referencing recent AmCham China delegations to the region and the province’s proactive engagement with businesses.
Stein closed his remarks by reaffirming AmCham China’s commitment to strengthening US-China relations at both the national and provincial levels, emphasizing the importance of open communication to drive future economic growth and global collaboration.
In an interview after the conference, Stein reiterated his—and the foreign business community’s—appreciation for the Anhui government’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment, saying, “For that reason, we have been paying more and more attention to Anhui. We have seen reform and opening really take hold in Anhui.” He also noted that companies, particularly those in manufacturing, are drawn to Anhui not only for its infrastructure but, most importantly, for the government’s pro-business policies.