WSCRC

Washington State China Relations Council

Founders Forum: Conversation with Ben Zhang

On September 27, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council held the first session of its new Founders Forum series, featuring Ben Zhang, Founder of Greater China Industries. The WSCRC Founders Forum highlights leaders in US-China innovation in technology, entrepreneurship, and business. Participants contribute to a targeted, meaningful dialogue with a Founder/CEO working on the front lines of US-China relations. Discussions feature the trials and tribulations of starting a company, operating across cultures, and growing an international business.

Greater China Industries is a manufacturer and importer of custom original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product. The company sources product needs that range from simple orders of printed stickers to more complicated products, such as detailed injection molded OEM components used in manufacturing. Since founding the company in 1995, Ben Zhang has seen the company enjoy steady growth and demand for imported products. Speaking about his humble beginnings as an international student from China attending the University of Washington, Ben emphasized the importance of strategic vision and delivering high-quality products.

On the topic of US-China trade and its impact on his sector, Ben touched upon the growth of manufacturing in other countries in Southeast Asia. He noted that making connections with those markets was an important part of participating in the global economy. In response to a question about reticence towards “Made in China” products among prospective clients, Ben remarked, “When the rubber hits the road, a superior price point will win out.” He also gave many examples of how dedicated service oriented towards the success of his client has shaped his business over the years.

The lively Q&A session addressed long-term trends in the US-China business relationship, as well as the experiences of Greater China Industries working with American and Chinese partners. In answering an audience question about distinction between clients and customers, Ben emphasized the importance of consistent service and face-to-face relationships in transforming one-time customers into returning clients. WSCRC President Mercy Kuo concluded the program and invited attendees to mingle over refreshments.

WSCRC extends special thanks to WSCRC board members Yuping Wang of Davis Wright Tremaine as venue host and Ben Zhang of Greater China Industries for furnishing refreshments.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

US-China International Education Exchange Roundtable

On September 27, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council, in partnership with Northeastern University and Illuminate Global LLC, hosted a delegation from the city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province for the US-China International Education Exchange Roundtable. The delegation included representatives from many areas related to education, including the Ningbo Education Bureau, universities, vocational schools, and high schools.

WSCRC was honored to invite a variety of representatives to speak about Washington State’s educational system and its promotion of international programs, particularly educational exchange between the US and China. Washington State speakers included: Dr. Kurt Buttleman, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic & Student Success at Seattle Colleges; Linda Du, International Programs Manager – China Specialist at Shoreline Community College; Denise Dyette, Primary Division Head at the Evergreen School; Patrick Erwin, Principal of Lincoln High School; Angela Dávila, World Languages Program Supervisor of Learning and Teaching at the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); and Scott Han, Assistant Director of International Marketing at Cascadia College.

Giving statements on behalf of the entire delegation, four speakers from Ningbo described the educational opportunities available for American students interested in studying abroad, as well as their efforts to promote exchange programs to the United States for Chinese students. The Ningbo delegation was led by Xuebo Fu, Counsel at Ningbo Education Bureau. Also speaking for the delegation were Wei Huang, Assistant President at Zhejiang Fashion Institute of Technology; Dinghai Shi, Principal of Ningbo Jiangshan High School; and Gang Wang, Vice Principal of Ningbo Economic and Trade High School.

The event brought together representatives to strengthen international ties between the US and China through education and exchange. Though there have been recent changes in the US-China relationship that have affected their institutions, both sides expressed willingness to cooperate on international efforts.

WSCRC extends special thanks to WSCRC board member Mary Trimarco, Business and Outreach Director at Northeastern University in Seattle as venue host.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

China-US Ningbo City Snohomish County Trade and Investment Forum

On September 20, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council, in partnership with Snohomish County, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, the Port of Everett, and Illuminate Global LLC, hosted a delegation from the city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province for the China-US Ningbo City Snohomish County Trade and Investment Forum. The delegation included representatives from both government and industries in Ningbo, including automotive, information technology, and tourism.

Dave Somers, County Executive of Snohomish County, detailed the history of international exchange between the US and China that has taken place in Washington State. He elaborated upon current efforts to maintain economic and cultural ties through facilitating trade missions, delegations, and business connections. Stephanie Wright, Chair of the County Council of Snohomish County, emphasized the importance of trade and investment in the US-China relationship. She encouraged delegates to learn more about Snohomish County and the opportunities for collaboration it offers to prospective investors. Patrick Pierce, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance Snohomish County, outlined the globally recognized brands operating in Snohomish County, as well as its wealth of educational institutions.

Jianhua Xu, Deputy Director of the Ningbo Business Association, introduced the City of Ningbo, which boasts active export-oriented economy. The United States has always been an important trading partner with Ningbo, with Dow Chemical, DuPont, MSK, Cooper, John Deere, Procter & Gamble and others investing in projects in the city. Jing Shi of the International Investment Promotion Bureau of the City of Ningbo detailed how the city has accelerated its international development through leveraging its ports and private economy. Zhijun Yang of the Yinzhou District Investment Cooperation Bureau of the City of Ningbo encouraged investors to explore opportunities in Ningbo, as well as promoting its tourist attractions and educational partnerships as well.

The event brought together representatives to strengthen international ties between the US and China through trade and investment. After Mr. Somers and Mr. Xu exchanged gifts following the presentations, the gathering commenced networking and exchanging information for future partnerships. WSCRC board directors Holly Yang, Yuping Wang and Michelle Zhou also attended the event.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

Thurston County EDC China Business Series Marketing Your Business in China: The Power of WeChat

On August 15, 2018, WSCRC kicked off the Thurston County Economic Development Council China Business Series at the Thurston County EDC in Lacey, Washington. David Zhou, Founder and CEO of IM2CHINA  ̶  WSCRC Gold Member  ̶  shared insights into one of China’s most powerful and versatile marketing tools with his presentation, “Marketing Your Business in China: The Power of WeChat.” Thurston County EDC Executive Director Michael Cade and Grays Harbor EDC CEO Dru Garson gave introductory remarks on the importance of local engagement with international markets.

While WeChat is a part of daily life for over 720 million people around the globe, it is still unfamiliar territory for many US companies. David Zhou explained that WeChat has integrated the function of nearly all western media outlets into a single app. Consequently, WeChat is an essential part of everyday life in China, and 55% of users are on the app for two or more hours per day.

David’s practical advice for leveraging the power of WeChat to expand one’s business included a discussion of account types, how to increase visibility, and how to calculate the impact of an advertisement or article. Careful attention to data is essential to utilizing WeChat successfully.

David shared some points of concern that businesses might encounter, including sensitive areas in cross-border relations and how to select the marketing partner agency that best suits your business. He emphasized the importance of following a step-by-step digital marketing process.

Attendees representing local law firms, county offices and small and medium-sized enterprises attended the event.

Special thanks to Thurston County EDC for providing the venue.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

WSCRC Hosts Zhejiang Province Delegation

On August 8, 2018, WSCRC board members Jim Young, Kristi Heim, and Norwell Coquillard met with a business delegation from the city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province to introduce the mission of Washington State China Relations Council and to discuss opportunities for international economic collaboration. The delegation included representatives from a variety of industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and textiles.

Kristi Heim, Head of International Partnerships at BGI, detailed the longstanding history between Washington State and China. She elaborated upon WSCRC’s leading role in establishing economic and cultural ties through its work in facilitating delegations and making connections between businesses. In addition, she also encouraged delegates to work with Washington State brands such as Microsoft, Boeing, Costco, Amazon, and others.

Jim Young, Co-Managing Member and Founder at Century Law Firm, spoke about the opportunities for investment in Washington State, citing multiple examples from the real estate industry. He also reflected upon his own experiences as a Chinese-born attorney who came to Washington State for its international reputation and the process of building his business.

The delegation was impressed by the scope of the Council’s reach in Washington State, as well as with its purpose of fostering international ties between the US and China. After a round of introductions from each member of the delegation, the gathering commenced networking and exchanging information for future partnerships.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

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