Busy body

The American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham-China) is the largest Beijing-based foreign business association, with nearly 2,600 members from more than 1,100 companies. As a non-profit business association, Amcham's mission is to support American business interests and promote commercial relations between the United States and China.   

AmCham is actively engaged in areas including networking, information, advocacy and services for its members, which includes more than 90 percent of the Fortune 500 companies that have a presence in China. Increasingly, smaller companies and entrepreneurs, which many see as growth engines of China's economy, also are joining and SMEs now constitute nearly one-third of the chamber's membership.

The year 2007 has been the most active for AmCham-China to date. The organization grew to nearly 2,600 members last year. Forums and committees increased from 36 to 41.

This reflects the growing importance China holds in the business plan of virtually every company with global aspirations. It also tell us that people interested in doing business in China find clear value in the kinds of services, networking opportunities, advocacy programs and information that we offer.

In the course of hosting nearly 250 events last year, AmCham brought its members together to learn about or discuss issues related to US-China trade relations, legislation, IPR, taxation, export controls, marketing, human resources, corporate social responsibility, economic issues and many, many more.

We also held extensive meetings with Chinese government officials on a broad swath of issues ranging from the Labor Contract Law to recent changes in food and product safety regulations.

Last year, we were particularly honored to have Vice-Premier Wu Yi as the keynote speaker. It was gratifying for us read a few months later in 21st Century Business Herald that Madame Wu Yi was impressed by AmCham's understanding of China's investment policies. In fact, she was quoted as saying that the China Chamber of International Commerce would do well to "learn from AmCham-China".

Amcham views such comments as further affirmation of the organization's standing in its host country and further evidence that our focus and direction are correct. In a similar vein, AmCham and its members have been invited by the Chinese government on several occasions during the past seven years to provide written comments with respect to drafts of various laws.

2008 outlook

AmCham-China remains optimistic and confident about 2008. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the reform and opening policy the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping instituted three decades ago, and the overall results of this transformation are clearly spectacular. We think it likely the Chinese economy will continue to expand at a healthy pace and we expect the market to continue to be an essential place for both large multinational companies and growing businesses to be.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics is clearly a highlight on the world calendar, and AmCham shares with China a sense of pride and high expectations for what is already the most anticipated Games ever held and what is sure to be the most exciting set of sporting events ever.

One of the main reasons people tell us they are drawn to AmCham is because of our diversity and the opportunity to meet other members from all types of companies and businesses. This is clearly one of our most important strengths. However, this same diversity is also a challenge as we seek ways to ensure all members can reap value from their AmCham experience.

AmCham-China will put a lot of focus this year on entrepreneurs and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), a section of our membership that continues to see strong growth. Our board last year decided to take steps to better address the needs of these businesses within AmCham.

At the end of January we held our first SME conference, an event that successfully brought together dozens of attendees and panelists to network and share strategies, know-how and practical tips on operational and financial issues affecting smaller businesses in China.

The author is president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China

(China Daily 03/10/2008 page6)