investment Archives

Sep 21 2018

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

Feb 07 2018

Washington State Investment Insights: China and the World

On January 29, 2018, the WSCRC launched the Corporate Executive Briefing Series, a new series of conversations which aims to provide a unique venue in which Washington business owners and executives can substantively increase their knowledge of commercial engagement with and in China.

Allison Clark, Managing Director of Business Development at the Washington State Department of Commerce, joined WSCRC to offer insights into the investment landscape of Washington in this inaugural session of the series. At the Washington State Department of Commerce, Allison heads a team that specializes in attracting investment to the state. During her term she has witnessed a massive increase in foreign investment in the region, particularly from China.

With its “ravenous consumption culture,” intellectual property protection laws, and reputation for market certainty and consistency, the U.S. is the world’s most attractive consumer market and has the highest confidence index for FDI. Allison outlined the multifarious factors which give Washington an edge in the race to attract investment, which include a growth-oriented culture, an educated workforce, low-cost power, and a pro-business environment. Additionally, Washington houses major clusters of technology industries while Seattle is increasingly a global hub for exports, boasting the West Coast’s fastest shipping lines to Asia.

Allison further discussed tactics employed by the Department of Commerce to foster interest in the region and confirm investment deals for Washington companies and enterprises. “From an economic standpoint, it’s a very good strategy to grow what you already have,” she pointed out, “cultivating inbound investment becomes an economic tool for us.” Allison’s team proactively locates leads on potential investment projects which could lead to job creation in the state, as evidenced in several recent cases where the department has facilitated closures on large foreign investments.

Entities represented at the Corporate Executive Briefing Series included the Washington Technology University, Old Republic Title, Port of Seattle, Greenfield Advisors, and Mercer Island Telecom, among others. Special thanks to K&L Gates for providing the venue for this event.

Summary Author: Trudy Boothman

Dec 18 2017

Healthcare in China: Challenges and Opportunities

On December 6, 2017, the Washington State China Relations Council convened the Brown Bag Briefing Series with an informative presentation from Jing Dipiero on, “Healthcare in China: Challenges and Opportunities” in Seattle, WA. Jing, a WSCRC Silver Member, is the founder and CEO of DPR Consulting, a firm which provides comprehensive healthcare solutions to individuals, physicians, hospitals and local governments with a special focus on China.

Having been born and raised in Beijing before relocating her career to the US, Jing has acquired an uncommon depth of understanding and keen ability to navigate within the two systems. She expertly guided the audience through a history of healthcare in China, citing various challenges and reform efforts that have shaped the present structure. Life expectancy has increased steadily, infant mortality has decreased drastically, and access to health services has broadened significantly.

However, Ms. Dipiero’s analysis of healthcare in China compared to the US revealed that the system remains rife with challenges. As per capita income of the Chinese population rises, many patients are seeking higher quality healthcare options, as exemplified in recent upsurge of “medical tourism.” Opportunities for medical professionals, investors and technologists abound throughout the country.

Jing outlined Chinese government plans to enhance the quality of care in clinics, to provide insurance and a family physician for 100% of the population, and to curb individual expenditures. Ms. Dipiero pointed out that each of these objectives will need the support of various medical industries, and explained how a knowledgeable consulting partner such as DPR can assist in navigating the unfamiliar policy landscape of Chinese healthcare to increase efficiency and generate maximum impact.

Over 25 representatives from DPR Consulting, Swedish Hospital, Wyzlink, Oncology Edge Consulting, Seattle Chinese Garden and Seattle-Chongqing Sister City Association, CREATe, SEngine Precision Medicine, Inc., Harris Bricken PLLC, Attune Healthcare Partners, Oregon China Sister State Relation Council and North America China Council attended this briefing.

Summary Author: Trudy Boothman

Dec 12 2017

Pacific Northwest and National Commercial Real Estate Trends: The China Factor

On November 8, 2017, the Washington State China Relations Council and Gold Member Kidder Mathews convened a panel of real estate experts for a conversation on, “Pacific Northwest and National Real Estate Trends: the China Factor.” Speakers included Holly Yang, Head of Seattle China Services for Kidder Mathews in Seattle, Vik Bangia, founder of Verum Consulting, and Glen Gioseffi, Debt Equity and Finance expert with Kidder Mathews. Brian Hatcher, Executive Vice President of Brokerage for Kidder Mathews, moderated this event at The Bravern Signature Residences in Bellevue, Washington.

Brian Hatcher launched the discussion with a 2017 commercial real estate market update for the Seattle and Bellevue areas. A comprehensive analysis of growth rates in commercial real estate indicates that continued and sustained growth can be expected, as exemplified by the pre-leasing of 50% of the office space currently under construction in Seattle and the 67% pre-lease rate in Bellevue.

Holly Yang expounded on financing options for Chinese investors, including the EB-5 immigrant investor program. She discussed the excessive wait time now associated with the popular EB-5 investment program and Chinese capital controls on outgoing real estate investment funds. Holly concluded that despite the Chinese government’s strong hand in directing capital, funds continue to flow to the US, which is viewed as a “safe haven” for investment money. Glen Gioseffi, who has funded over one billion dollars in commercial debt, contributed his knowledge of the necessity of debt financing to enable growth.

Vik Bangia shared findings from his research into the characteristics of the Millennial employees, a demographic which is occupying commercial space at an increased rate. Vik explained how this demographic tends to prize clarity, flexibility, satisfaction, and significance in the workplace, and how these values can be reflected even in a company’s commercial space. For example, the ratio of square foot to person has dropped in recent years from 200 square feet per employee to a mere 48 square feet per person.

The wide-ranging and extensive knowledge of the panelists created a superb venue for audience members to submit varied queries into the complexities of regional and national real estate trends. More than 60 representatives from the commercial and residential real estate, investment, banking, and legal communities attended this standing-room only event and exclusive networking reception.

Special thanks to Kidder Mathews for convening the panel and co-hosting with WSCRC, and to The Bravern Signature Residences for providing the outstanding venue.

Summary author: Trudy Boothman

Oct 18 2017

U.S.-Taiwan Trade Relations: Prospects for Washington State

On September 28, 2017, WSCRC convened this month’s second session of the Policy Briefing Series – the seventh session since the Series’ launch in April – at US Bank in Seattle. Vincent Yao, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle, discussed Taiwan trade relations and prospects for Washington state.

Mr. Yao assumed the office of TECO Seattle’s Direct General in 2016 and has been impressed with Washington’s wealth of strategic industries. Washington is one of Taiwan’s most valued trade partners, making up 7.2% of all two-way trade traffic between the US and Taiwan. Taiwan is Washington’s 7^th largest export market and 5^th largest import source, and Taiwan is the destination for 4% of all Washington exports.

Taiwan boasts a central location in the Asia-Pacific region and well-developed industrial clusters—assets which it has strategically leveraged to establish itself both as a leading US trade partner and a key player in the Asian-Pacific supply and production chain. Furthermore, Taiwan has intentionally focused its efforts in major innovative industries such as aerospace, cloud computing, and smart machinery, to enhance its globally competitive edge. Mr. Yao noted that Taiwan’s current growth in healthcare, biotechnology, and renewable energy could also pose investment prospects for Washington. TECO Seattle also aims to attract more Washington industries to the numerous world class trade shows hosted in Taiwan each year to boost international exposure.

An extremely trade-dependent economy, Taiwan is open and flexible in terms of trade and investment. Mr. Yao believes that Taiwan and Washington’s industries complement each other well. “We attach great importance to this bilateral trade partnership,” Mr. Yao explained, making it clear that TECO endeavors to maximize trade relations and partnerships across industries. Investment is traveling both directions, and the Director General invited interested companies to “give him a call,” to discover the benefits of deepened and expanded trade relations between Taiwan and Washington.

China-US Ningbo City Snohomish County Trade and Investment Forum

Washington State Investment Insights: China and the World

Healthcare in China: Challenges and Opportunities

Pacific Northwest and National Commercial Real Estate Trends: The China Factor

U.S.-Taiwan Trade Relations: Prospects for Washington State

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