Founding of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China)
In an article dated Aug. 26, 1919, the New York Times announced that an American Chamber of Commerce had been set up in what was then called Peking. The eight founding members were Anderson, Meyer & Co., the International Banking Corporation, the American Trading Company, the China-American Trading Company, the American Bank Note Company, E. W. Frazer & Co., the Siems-Carey Company, and the Standard Oil Company.
AmCham China Officially Reformed
The Chamber reformed at a Nov. 10 meeting at the Peking Hotel (now the Beijing Hotel). Richard E. Kask of General Electric was elected as the Chamber’s first President (a position now referred to as Chairman).
Official Recognition of Chamber by Chinese Government
On April 22, after the completion of a lengthy registration process with the government, the American Chamber of Commerce in China received foreign chamber certificate No. 2 and was officially recognized. The occasion was marked by a ceremony at the Great Wall Sheraton with then President Dean T.C. Lee, US ambassador James Lilley, and senior Chinese government officials.
First American Business in China White Paper Published
AmCham China launched its first issue of
the American Business in China White Paper, which aggregated business insights and recommendations from all industries. The White Paper represents the efforts of the Chamber and its members to communicate with both the US and Chinese governments and to improve the business environment for American businesses in China.
First Government Appreciation Dinner
The first Government Appreciation Dinner hosted more than 400 guests at the Kerry Center Hotel on Dec. 5, 2000. Guests of honor included US Ambassador Joseph Prueher, with Shi Guangsheng, Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation serving as the keynote speaker. The Appreciation Dinner has since become one of the Chamber’s most influential events, featuring government officials, including Vice Premier Wu Yi (2007), Vice Premier Wang Yang (2015), and various US Ambassadors to China as keynote speakers.
Inaugural Charity Ball and Golf Tournament
The Chamber’s first Charity Ball and golf tournament, held Sept. 12 and 13, raised over $100,000 for four charities: the Beijing Zhiguang Special Education and Training School, the American Education and Health Foundation, the Langfang Children’s Village, and the New Day Foster Home.
US-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) Established
Formally launched in 2004, the US-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) was established to provide a public-private sector platform to work on issues important to the growth of China’s aviation system, and US aviation interests. ACP has nearly 50 corporate members from various disciplines within the aviation industry.
Sichuan Earthquake Relief Efforts
Following the Sichuan Earthquake on May 12, a group of 38 AmCham China representatives visited the worst-affected areas in the region. The group included Chairman James Zimmerman and Vice Chairman Matthew Estes. The combined donations of all member companies surpassed
$87 million dollars, both in cash and in-kind donations.
US-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) Established
Founded in Sep. 2009 by 24 US companies, the US-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) was underscored by US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao in the official joint statements during Obama’s visit to China in 2009. The program aims to create a bilateral business platform for US and Chinese companies to pursue private sector-based business opportunities, advance sustainable development in the energy industry, and combat climate change.
Dr. Jane Goodall Addresses AmCham China on CSR
Dr. Jane Goodall spoke with AmCham China members on the importance of best practices and how companies can integrate CSR into everyday operations.
Launch of the Business Climate Survey Report
As the Business Climate chapter from the White Paper became a valuable source of information about the foreign business community in China, the Chamber published the first independent Business Climate Survey Report. Over the last 10 years, it has become a key barometer of the business environment for the US and Chinese governments, the foreign business community itself, and AmCham China member companies.
US-China Healthcare Cooperation Program (HCP) Established
The US-China Healthcare Cooperation Program (HCP) was founded in 2011, based on the US-China Public Private Partnership on Healthcare (PPPH) framework announced in January 2011, on the occasion of the Summit between Barack Obama and Hu Jintao. HCP’s mission is to strengthen long-term, constructive cooperation in healthcare between the US and China.
Chamber Co-Hosts US Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Meeting
August 2011, AmCham China co-hosted a private business meeting between US Vice President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Vice President Xi Jinping. The event was also hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the US-China Business Council. China CEOs from GE, JP Morgan Chase, Dupont, General Motors, Caterpillar, Corning, Acorn International, and United Family Hospitals took part in the meeting, along with representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the CEOs of 10 Chinese companies.
US-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP) Established
The US-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP) was launched in 2012 as a single point of contact to bring together US and Chinese public and private sector entities, help develop trust, and foster positive relationships. The AFP was created with the support of the US and Chinese governments to continue in the tradition of the Agricultural Symposium that was a centerpiece of then-Vice President Xi Jinping’s visit to Iowa in Feb. 2012.
Launch of the Chairman’s Circle with Founding Members Intel and Oshkosh
AmCham China welcomed its first two Chairman’s Circle members, Intel and Oshkosh. The Chairman’s Circle was designed as a unique platform to provide premium member companies with enhanced leadership status within the community, as well as greater intelligence, access, influence, and exposure for their businesses. Membership has now expanded to eight members: (in alphabetical order) Amway, British Petroleum, Coca-Cola, ConocoPhillips, Dell, Honeywell, Intel, and Merck.
AmCham China Chairman’s Circle Members
AmCham China Hosts Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing
During the APEC meetings in Beijing, AmCham China hosted Secretary of State John Kerry, along with US Trade Representative Michael Froman.
Reintroduction of US Beef to China Following 14-Year Ban
AmCham China President Alan Beebe, US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad celebrated the reintroduction of US beef to the Chinese market after a 14 year-long ban on US beef imports into China.
Inaugural Technology & Innovation Summit
On September 20, AmCham China held the first annual Technology & Innovation Summit as part of its Technology & Innovation Initiative, featuring guest speakers Kai-Fu Lee and Microsoft CTO Mingqiang Xu.
2019–2023: Supporting Businesses Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
From late 2019 up until the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in 2023, AmCham China played a pivotal role in supporting businesses through the pandemic’s unprecedented challenges. By providing critical guidance, real-time updates on evolving regulations, and resources such as the COVID-19 portal, multiple reports, five flash surveys, and charter flights the Chamber ensured its members remained informed and prepared to navigate operational and travel complexities in China.
Inaugural Social Impact Initiative Launched
AmCham China introduced this initiative to highlight the private sector’s critical role in supporting China’s objectives, leveraging the unique expertise of its members. To date, the initiative has included over 30 working sessions and three high-profile Social Impact Summits.
US-China Fast-Track Travel Channel Program
AmCham China, in collaboration with AmCham Shanghai, worked closely with the Chinese central and key local governments to establish and launch the US-China Fast-Track Travel Channel Program, which made it easier for businesspeople and their families to travel to and from China. The program was developed following the November 2021 virtual meeting between President Xi and President Biden, during which China agreed to streamline travel procedures for American executives. Shortly thereafter, the framework for the fast-track channel was approved.
Chair Participates in Premier Li Keqiang’s Roundtable at Diaoyutai
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang hosted a roundtable briefing at Diaoyutai in Beijing with foreign business group leaders to mark the 70th anniversary of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). AmCham China Chairman Colm Rafferty was invited to deliver in-person remarks at the event. AmCham China Board members Sherry Carbary and Fernando Vallina also attended in person. Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin, and various ministers and vice ministers of relevant government agencies were also present.
Meeting with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Beijing
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with a small group of US business leaders in Beijing, including AmCham China Chairman Colm Rafferty and Vice Chair Roberta Lipson, to discuss the role private companies can play in supporting US-China relations.
Establishment of the AmCham China Southwest Chapter in Chengdu
The AmCham China Southwest Chapter was officially established in Chengdu. This marked a milestone in continuing US-China economic cooperation in the Southwest region. The Southwest Chapter serves as the regional hub for daily operations, offering services and member engagement through collaborations, knowledge sharing, business development, and government relations activities. While Southwest China is centered around Sichuan, the region officially includes Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet. Sichuan province, with its significant contributions to China’s economy, population, resources, science, and education, offers unique advantages for collaboration with the United States.