Chamber photo exhibits a warmup for Xi's visit

The China General Chamber of Commerce USA kicked off its 10-year anniversary celebration activities with the unveiling of new photo exhibitions that document US-China cultural and business exchange, timed as a preamble to President Xi Jinping's first state visit to the US later this month.

The chamber, the largest non-profit representing Chinese enterprises in the US, put together two photo exhibits - The Pursuit of Dreams and Dream Journey - that showcase the organization's history in the US and the history of bilateral relations between the US and China.

Zhang Qiyue, China's consul general in New York, said the launch of the shows just before President Xi's visit was an "opportune time" to review the 36-year relationship between China and the US since the two countries reestablished bilateral ties in 1979.

"The economic relations between China and the United States are playing an increasingly important role in the overall diplomatic relations," she said.

Xu Chen, chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce and president and CEO of Bank of China USA, said in remarks at the launch that the exhibits reflect "the development of China-US economic relations and also demonstrate CGCC's mission and determination to further facilitate bilateral economic and commercial activities."

The exhibitions will be on display until Oct 1 at 28 Liberty Street. Fosun, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), and the China General Chamber of Commerce Foundation are sponsoring the shows.

Guo Guangchang, chairman of Fosun, said that the US is a "key" market for implementing the company's global vision, and like other companies featured in the exhibition Fosun will embrace opportunities that lead to mutual benefit.

"We feel the importance of US innovation in technology, economics, and culture development," he said.

"When US Fortune 500 entrepreneurs entered China in its globalization during China's opening up, or today when Chinese companies start going overseas, we all share the same dream: to achieve mutually beneficial, win-win strategies."

Kathy Hochul, lieutenant governor of New York State, said: "Bilateral economic development is important, but any type of economic relations is personal relations. I believe people in New York State will continue to build friendship and trust with their partners in China."

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily USA 09/11/2015 page1)