With an Eye on China's Economic Reforms, Presidents of American Chambers of Commerce from 22 Countries and Regions in Asia Pacific Arrive in Guangzhou to Discuss Regional Economic Cooperation

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) hosted an elaborate reception yesterday at the Four Seasons Hotel in Guangzhou to welcome presidents and executive Directors of American Chambers of Commerce from 22 countries and regions in Asia Pacific who arrived in Guangzhou yesterday. The meetings will be held from November 14^th to 17^th at AmCham South China's National Headquarters and Conference Center at AmCham Tower in Pazhou, Guangzhou and also at AmCham Tower in Shunde. Ms. Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, US Consul General in Guangzhou, welcomed the delegates and delivered a keynote address to the more than 300 reception attendees, which included top government officials, senior executives from AmCham member companies and other business leaders.

28 presidents of American Chambers of Commerce representing 22 countries and regions extending from Australia to Japan and Mongolia to India will spend the next three days in discussions on increased economic cooperation and investments in the region and "best practices". AmChams in Asia Pacific represent more than 50,000 American member companies and billions of US dollars in business and trade.

Since this meeting is hosted by a different AmCham each year, it represents a unique opportunity for Guangdong and Guangzhou to showcase their latest developments. The right to host the 2013 Annual Meeting was won through fierce competition between the Asia Pacific AmChams. Harley Seyedin, President of AmCham South China said, "The last time this group visited China was in 2005 when the group met with then Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua and Mayor Zhang Guangning and discussed economic cooperation, which led to many investments and great and continuous cooperation."

American Investment in the region continues to grow at a fast pace. Especially, leading global investment firm KKR recently announced four landmark deals in Asia with a total investment of over $1 billion. Two of these investments -- with Modern Dairy and Qingdao Haier -- are in China. Steven R. Okun, Public Affairs Director of KKR Asia Pacific who is also the Chairman of Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) said that in a forward-looking move, KKR will invest US$140 million with Modern Dairy and CDH to build two new large-scale dairy farms in China as part of a new joint venture designed to deliver premium raw milk to Chinese consumers. Since being established in Asia in 2005, KKR has invested more than $5.5 billion in 30 companies across the region.

AmCham President, Harley Seyedin, who is also Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) told the press that in addition to holding meetings, the Group is expected to meet with Guangdong and Guangzhou officials. They will also visit many sites in Liwan, Tianhe, Shunde, Zhuhai, and Dongguan. The Group will also attend AmCham South China's Winter Ball being held on the evening of Saturday, November 16th at the China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel. Also a Guest of Honor at the Winter Ball will be the Legendary Hall of Fame Quarterback, Joe Montana who won four Super Bowls for San Francisco 49ers.