AmCham HK Advocates TPP, U.S.-China BIT and Role of Hong Kong in Washington, D.C.

HONG KONG, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham HK) held its 16-member strong Washington, D.C. Doorknock from June 13-16, 2016.

Led by Chairman Walter Dias, Vice Chairman Steve Lackey, and President Richard Vuylsteke, the purpose of the mission was to facilitate trade, keep Hong Kong awareness on the map in Washington, and address various issues on behalf of American businesses based in the Asia Pacific region. To that end, this year's delegation focused primarily on three areas: Congressional passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), continued negotiations on the U.S.-China Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), and the role of Hong Kong in the region.

With close to 40 formal and informal meetings, the delegation met with the many U.S. Administration offices, including the incoming Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau Mr. Kurt Tong. Moreover, a delegation sub-group met with Congressional offices and another sub-group focused on financial services-related appointments. Meetings with prominent think tanks, international agencies and business associations, included the Brookings Institute, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This year's Doorknock continued the lobbying success from last year's passage of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and reiterated TPP's three-fold strategic importance:

a.       TPP covers countries in the fastest growing region in the world and will lead to jobs and export opportunities, hence overall economic growth;

b.       TPP ratification demonstrates US leadership and commitment in the region; and

c.       TPP carries security significance in the geopolitically diverse and dynamic region. 

AmCham HK gives special acknowledgements to support provided by United Airlines; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld; the Asia Society Policy Institute; Christine Davies, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Development of the Asia Society; and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for their support in making the AmCham delegation trip a success.

Contact:

Ming-Lai Cheung (Ms.)
Director, Government Relations & Public Affairs
Email: mcheung@amcham.org.hk
Tel: (852) 2530 6927

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THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG
1904, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2530 6917 Fax: (852) 2810 1289

With close to 1,600 members, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham) is one of the largest American Chambers outside the United States, the largest international chamber in Hong Kong, and one of the most dynamic and influential international business organizations in the Asia-Pacific region. AmCham's mission is to foster commerce among the United States, Hong Kong, and Mainland China; and to enhance Hong Kong's stature as an international business center.