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January 30, 2008      

 

Chamber Pushes for Greater Economic Opportunity for Small and Medium-Size American Businesses in China
Warns Congress To Refrain From Counterproductive Actions on China

 

MIAMI, FL—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today continued its push to promote trade opportunities for small- and medium-size American businesses in China with a half-day conference in Miami featuring Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong. The Chamber also warned that various proposals under consideration in the U.S. Congress could undermine U.S. competitiveness and future market opportunities in America’s fastest growing export market.

 

“Today’s event is about opening doors in China for small- and medium-sized American companies, especially in Florida,” said Myron Brilliant, U.S. Chamber Vice President for Asian Affairs. “It is not enough, however, to merely open doors for U.S. businesses; we need to make sure that they get the support they need once they enter that market. The Ambassador’s participation in our program shows that China is serious about opening its markets to smaller American companies and making sure that they get the support they need.”

 

Today’s event put on by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s TradeRoots division, in cooperation with World Trade Center of Miami, the Las Vegas Sands, and the law firm Holland and Knight, marks the first in a multi-year series of events throughout the United States to boost business opportunities in China. Ambassador Zhou discussed the legal and regulatory climates in China and ways that U.S. businesses can overcome barriers to market entry. The event also highlighted the important role that Florida, and particularly Miami, play in U.S.-China trade relations.  

 

“Today’s event was an incredible success,” said Leslie Schweitzer, Chamber senior trade advisor. “Although quantifiable gains will not be achieved overnight, we must continue to push for greater economic opportunities for small– and medium–sized American companies seeking to do business in China.”

 

The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
 
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