High-level representatives from AmCham China’s premier member companies shared their 2021 priorities and heard from Gavekal’s Arthur Kroeber and the U.S. Embassy in China’s Chargé D’Affaires Robert Forden.
On January 14, CEOs and senior government affairs executives from AmCham China’s premier member companies gathered for the first Chairman’s Circle planning meeting of the year. Attendees reviewed their priorities for the year, as well as the topics they hoped AmCham China events and meetings would cover, plus some suggested speakers on relevant topics. The goal of the discussion was to ensure that the services offered to Chairman’s Circle members were designed based on member demand, thereby creating more productive and strategic access and engagement opportunities.
Several members also voiced their appreciation for AmCham China in their efforts to drive innovative engagement with new stakeholders and acknowledged the progress the Chamber had made with the Chinese government in 2020. Attendees also expressed concerns over what may lie ahead in 2021, with one member asking how foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) would engage with the economy this year, during a time when China is focusing more on domestic demand.
Following the strategy session, Arthur Kroeber, Founding Partner and Head of Research at Gavekal, gave a briefing on China’s economic policy in 2021. He touched upon China’s handling of COVID-19 and the country’s economic recovery in 2021. He also mentioned the Dual Circulation Strategy, an area of interest for many AmCham China members, as well as the upcoming 14th Five Year Plan and Second Medium/Long-term Plan for science and technology. Finally, he outlined the factors he sees as most affecting the US-China relationship the most in 2021.
The U.S. Embassy in China’s Chargé D’Affaires Robert Forden closed the meeting with a briefing on US-China relations, and what to expect in 2021. Forden gave insight into how President Biden might approach China and the different policies his administration could push forward to rebuild basic communication between the two countries. He continued by explaining that the new President is focused on rebuilding alliances and having like-minded discussions with allies. Two of Biden’s main priorities, Forden explained, are on COVID-19 issues in the US and on climate change, areas of concern for both the US and China.
To find out more about the Chairman’s Circle please click here, or contact David Jacobs at djacobs@amchamchina.org.