BEIJING, April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham-China) will celebrate twenty successful years of helping US companies invest and grow in China today.
"AmCham-China has had the good fortune to represent US member companies in one of the most exciting and fast-paced periods in China's economic history," said AmCham-China Chairman Ted Dean, "We look forward to many more years of productive and mutually beneficial participation in China's business sector."
AmCham-China was recognized by the Chinese government on April 22, 1991 as the only official chamber representing the interests of American business in China. Since its founding, AmCham-China has grown from some 120 corporate members to include 1200 member companies. It has also expanded beyond its Beijing headquarters to include chapters in Central China (Wuhan), Tianjin, and Dalian.
In recent years AmCham-China has helped to establish a series of innovative partnerships between the private sector and government in the Chinese aviation, energy and health care industries. Under the joint sponsorship of the US and PRC governments, since 2003 the chamber has supported the founding of the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program, the U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP), and the Public Private Partnership in Healthcare. All three programs aim to assist the development of the relevant sector in China, foster closer ties between US companies and Chinese and US government regulators, and promote global best practices.
"The cooperation programs hosted by AmCham-China aid capacity building in key Chinese growth industries, while at the same time helping develop the market for US companies," said Christian Murck, president of the chamber, "They symbolize our interest in both helping member companies and supporting China's continued economic development."
Besides representing the interests of its member companies, AmCham-China also seeks to promote corporate social responsibility projects. In one of its more notable fundraising efforts, member companies contributed RMB 1 million in relief aid after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. In addition, AmCham-China raises funds for Chinese charities every year through a charity ball. Last year for the first time, the chamber held charity events in each of its four chapter cities.
Because AmCham-China's 20th anniversary celebration coincides with International Earth Day, all guests who attend the chamber's anniversary reception on April 22 will have a tree planted in their name. The anniversary reception, which is themed "Growing with China" is an official registered Earth Day event for the "Billion Acts of Green" initiative.
About the American Chamber of Commerce in China:
AmCham-China is a non-partisan and independent non-profit organization representing the interests of some 2,600 companies and individuals doing business throughout China. Formally recognized by China's Ministry of Civil Affairs in 1991, AmCham-China is the leader at promoting American business interests in China. Headquartered in Beijing, with chapters in Central China (Wuhan) Tianjin and Dalian, the Chinese government recognizes AmCham-China as America's official chamber of commerce. For more information, visit: www.amchamchina.org.
Media Contact:
KC Swanson
Communications Director
Tel: +86-10-8519-0800
Email: kcswanson@amchamchina.org
