WSCRC

Washington State China Relations Council

Philanthropy at ‘China Speed’: Assessing the Rapid Evolution of China’s Social Innovation

 

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

US-China Advanced Manufacturing Roundtable at the Port of Everett

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

WSCRC Chair’s Perspective in China Daily News

WSCRC Chair T. Andrew Wilson served as a resource in a recent China Daily USA article on the possible outcome of tariffs on US exports to China in Washington State. As the article discusses, “The Boeing Co becomes a focus of attention whenever the US and China threaten tariffs on exports between the two countries. It’s not just that the iconic American manufacturer of aircraft has a lot at stake in any tariff dispute, so does the state of Washington, where its aircraft are manufactured.”

Speaking beyond the impact potential tariffs could have on Boeing alone, Wilson made it clear that there could be implications for the entirety of Washington State. The state’s economy relies on international exports, namely to China. In his interview with China Daily USA, he served as a valuable resource on how observers should understand tariff disputes in relation to the broader US-China relationship in Washington State.

WSCRC member Spencer Cohen, a senior economist at Seattle-based consulting firm Community Attributes Inc., also spoke with China Daily USA and shared his input on the economic ties between China and Washington State.

Read the full article here.

Assessing Media Coverage of the US-China Trade War

Policy Briefing Series: Assessing Media Coverage of the US-China Trade War

Speaker: Phillip Yin, Managing Director of Newsroom Investments

On June 20, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council convened this year’s fifth session of the Policy Briefing Series with a presentation from Phillip Yin in Seattle, WA. An experienced strategist, portfolio manager and global journalist, Mr. Yin has anchored for major US and China-based news networks including CNBC, Bloomberg News and CGTN America. Mr. Yin utilized his insider’s perspective on news media to assess the influence of current media trends and narratives on perceptions of the US-China trade crisis.

Mr. Yin explained that in his experience, the importance of maintaining a balanced business perspective in the US-China trade dialogue cannot be overstated. “Business people from both China and the US need to speak up, do business together, and clarify the facts.” While Yin noted that the inflammatory rhetoric employed by media is extremely effective in swaying public opinion, he believes that a strong voice from business leaders who rely on factually grounded data will eventually change the tide of public perception on both sides of the border.

Summary Author: Trudy Boothman

Washington State SMBs to Exhibit at China International Import Expo (CIIE) under “Choose Washington” Brand

Washington State Commerce Department and the Washington State China Relations Council jointly held a press conference to announce Washington small and midsized businesses (SMBs) to exhibit at the first-ever China International Import Expo (CIIE). 

SEATTLE – June 13, 2018 – Washington State Commerce Department (“Commerce”) and the Washington State China Relations Council (“WSCRC”) announced on Wednesday that about 20 small and medium businesses from Washington State will exhibit at the first China International Import Expo (“CIIE”) in Shanghai, November 5-10.  With the support of WSCRC and its member company Pacific Technologies Consulting Group (“PTCG”), Commerce has marketed CIIE, organized a delegation to attend, and offered the Export Voucher which assists small business owners by offsetting the cost of attending CIIE. This is the first time that Washington State has organized SMBs to attend an Expo event in China.

CIIE is slated to be the largest import trade show in China.  CIIE announced that as of June 1, 2018, over 1,300 companies from more than 120 countries and regions had already registered to attend CIIE. It is estimated that up to 150,000 professional buyers from both China and abroad will participate in the Expo.

The CIIE was announced by China’s President Xi Jinping in 2017 and is hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. CIIE is additionally receiving support from the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The Expo affirms China’s resolve to display its commitment to inclusive globalization as well as its eagerness to further open its market to foreign traders.

The Washington State Commerce Department has chosen to leverage the opportunity for global exposure afforded by attendance to the CIIE. Washington businesses will exhibit together under the Commerce Department’s “Choose Washington” in order to attract increased attention, traffic and awareness of the many exports the region has to offer. Together with WSCRC, and with the support of PTCG and multiple local Chinese American organizations, Commerce has led the effort to communicate the strategic potential that attendance to CIIE offers to businesses.  In order to simplify registration for attendance to CIIE, Commerce has facilitated a sign up process exclusively for WA businesses who plan to attend as part of the delegation.

The June 13 press conference was held at the Nan Hai USA office in Kirkland.  Seattle local media, CIIE event service representatives from Shanghai and WA exhibitors attended the event.  Victor Chan, WSCRC Board Director, welcomed attendees and shared a brief history of Washington’s connection to China and how WSCRC has served as a bridge between Washington state and China since 1979.  Commerce Assistant Director Chris Green emphasized that Washington ranks as one of the nation’s most trade-dependent states, with China is as a major market for Washington exports. Green believes that CIIE will be a great opportunity for Washington companies to make business deals and sign contracts.  Green further explained Commerce’s CIIE exhibition plans and the process of offsetting attendance costs through the Export Voucher program.

Andy Cheung, CEO of Donghao International (“DHI”), co-organizer for CIIE’s High-end Intelligent Equipment Show, represented CIIE at the press conference. Cheung explained the significance of CIIE, the process of attending CIIE, and tips for a successful exhibit.  Michelle Zou, WSCRC Board Director and CEO PTCG, facilitated the press conference with over 60 attendees.

 

About Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC)

Founded in 1979, Washington State China Relations Council is the nation’s leading statewide organization dedicated to promoting stronger commercial, educational and cultural engagement with China. http://wscrc.org/

About Pacific Technologies Consulting Group (PTCG)

PTCG is a strategic consulting firm that helps companies seize US-China opportunities and grow business in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. It specializes in helping American companies enter into the China market and vice versa. http://www.ptcgconsulting.com/

 

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