On July 16, 2018, the WSCRC President Mercy Kuo and Robert Hamilton, Trade Policy Advisor at the Office of the WA State Governor, met with this year’s delegation of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Discussion focused on the US-China trade relationship and regional economic cooperation. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Ghana; Israel Television News Company; Ministry of Economy, Slovak Republic; American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh; Stockholm Chamber of Commerce; Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including forecasted trends in US-China trade relations from the vantage point of Washington State. In addressing questions concerning economic tension between the US and China, Robert Hamilton drew from his extensive professional experience as the Trade Policy Advisor at the Office of the WA State Governor and at the US Department of Commerce. He shared unique insight on how Washington State is expected to weather current trade disputes and providing an international perspective on an issue largely perceived to be bilateral.
WSCRC President Mercy Kuo discussed WSCRC’s work in promoting stronger trade, educational, and cultural relations between the state of Washington and China. She emphasized the importance of cooperation and partnership for Washington State and Chinese companies, as well as the positive impacts these relationships have on the global and local economies. The delegates expressed interest in building international relationships through efforts and entities based on WSCRC’s model in their home countries
WSCRC extends special thanks to the Washington State Department of Commerce as venue host and the World Affairs Council of Seattle for facilitating the meeting.
Summary Author: Mengyao Liu