On July 12, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council launched the US-China Women’s Leadership Forum, led by WSCRC board members Holly Yang, Sharon Sidoine and Annamarie Larson as Forum chair and vice-chairs, respectively. Approximately 50 attendees represented business and government professions. The Forum topic – Washington Women: Successful Leadership on the Front Lines of US-China Business Relations – provided a platform for senior-level women leaders to exchange ideas and thought leadership with each other and attendees. Introducing the purpose of the WSCRC Women’s Leadership Forum, WSCRC board member Holly Yang detailed WSCRC’s aim to facilitate executive-level exchange, networking opportunities, and professional mentorship opportunities.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoire shared engaging and informative opening remarks, discussing longstanding trade relations between Washington State and China. She noted that “strong relationships” and “mutual benefits” are necessary components to maintaining that connection, particularly in times of uncertainty. After discussing her own experiences working internationally between the United States and China, she encouraged attendees to explore avenues for growing US-China partnerships on the local and state level.

Panel speakers – Holly Yang, Senior Vice President & Partner, Kidder Mathews; Jing DiPiero, Founder/CEO, DPR Consulting; Allison Clark, Managing Director of Business Development, WA State Department of Commerce; and Kendee Yamaguchi, Executive Director, Snohomish County Executive Office – discussed how their leadership roles in commercial real estate, healthcare technology, business development, and public service actively shape the US-China relationship from Washington State.

Facilitated by WSCRC board member Annamarie Larson, attorney at K&L
Gates, the Q&A session addressed long-term trends in the US-China business relationship, as well as the experiences of WA state businesses working in China and with Chinese partners. In answering an audience question about the role of women in leadership, the panel encouraged professional women to help each other achieve their goals and emphasized the importance of having a seat at the table in decision-making.  PACCAR Director of Sales Operations Sharon Sidoine 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 Sharon Sidoine of PACCAR for furnishing refreshments.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

 

On July 10, 2018 the Washington State China Relations Council held a panel discussion on the growth of China’s philanthropic sector. Three speakers affiliated with the Richard Rockefeller Fellowship, dedicated to fostering emerging Chinese leadership in the development of strategic philanthropy in China, detailed the rise of philanthropy in China and its global implications for the sector.

Emily Weaver, who manages the Richards Rockefeller Fellowship, discussed the development of the sector over the last decade and opportunities for future growth. Danxi Shen, a Richard Rockefeller Fellow and the deputy secretary general at Sany Foundation, remarked that the current generation of Chinese philanthropists pursue an “investment-oriented approach that yields tangible results.” Oma Lee, a Richard Rockefeller Fellow and consultant, detailed the Domestic Charity Law and the INGO Law that have impacted China’s philanthropic sector. Following their presentation, moderator Victor Kuo directed the conversation towards how these changes affect social innovation in the United States and around the world.

WSCRC welcomed a diverse array of attendees, including nonprofit leaders, business executives, and members of the greater Seattle area community. The wide-ranging perspectives of audience members made for a lively and informative Q&A session. WSCRC looks forward to future programming surrounding philanthropy and social innovation.

WSCRC extends special thanks to WSCRC board member Ada Danelo and Garvey Schubert Barer for hosting the panel discussion.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

Organizers: Washington State China Relations Council, Snohomish County, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County

 

On June 22, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council (“WSCRC”), Snohomish County, and the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (“EASC”) in collaboration with the City of Everett, Port of Everett and US-China Aviation Friendship Association jointly convened a roundtable at the Port of Everett on advanced manufacturing between the US and China. A delegation from the Investment Promotion Agency of the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”), as well as representatives from the Washington State Commerce Department and Snohomish County government offices and businesses, discussed ways to strengthen economic partnerships and future collaboration between China and Washington State. This was the first high-level meeting of its kind centered on trade, technology, and advanced manufacturing in Snohomish County. WSCRC President Mercy Kuo served as the roundtable moderator.

MOFCOM Machinery Department Director Ruochen Lin explained the rapid pace of China’s economic advancement over the past couple of decades, focusing specifically on the country’s infrastructure development and rising consumer demand. Charting the course of these changes using China’s high-speed rail system and online transaction practices as examples, he encouraged further US investment  and market presence in the Chinese economy. He concluded his presentation by inviting Washington manufacturers to the China International Import Expo, to be held in Shanghai in November.

Snohomish County was represented well by County Executive Dave Somers, Mayor of Everett Cassie Franklin, Port of Everett Director Walter Siedl, District 3 Council President Stephanie Wright, and President & CEO of EASC Patrick Pierce. Washington State Department of Commerce was represented by ICT Sector Lead Joseph Williams. Their remarks covered the history of Snohomish County as a leader in international trade, as well as the welcoming environment for further partnerships between the US and China in the county. Leaders from businesses such as MTorres and UniEnergy Technologies, both based in Everett, spoke about their interest in working with Chinese companies and the global market for their products. After an informative Q&A session, representatives from Snohomish County exchanged gifts with the MOFCOM delegation.

 

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu