DALIAN, China, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham-China) today launched its third regional chapter nationwide, in Dalian, Liaoning Province. At the launch, Dalian Vice Mayor Dai Yuling and US Consul General for Shenyang Stephen Wickman were in attendance and made remarks welcoming the chamber's expansion.
The Dalian Chapter joins AmCham-China's Central China (Wuhan) and Tianjin chapters as regional offices for the organization, which is headquartered in Beijing. The move will bring added support to AmCham-China members in Dalian, while increasing collaboration between the business communities in four of China's key cities.
"Over the last several years more US companies have expanded into tier-two, three and four cities in China," said AmCham-China Chairman John D. Watkins, Jr. "The new Dalian Chapter, like the Central China and Tianjin chapters before, increases our capacity to provide services to the American business community throughout the country. The AmCham-China, Dalian Chapter will bring a broad array of resources and a strong alliance network to this important and rapidly growing region. This opening is truly a landmark event."
American business leaders in Dalian also responded enthusiastically to the launch. "The AmCham-China, Dalian Chapter is a major step forward for this city and Northeast China," said Rick Makrickas, Chairman of AmCham-China, Dalian Chapter Executive Committee. "It makes it easier for municipal government officials to listen to the concerns of US companies, and it gives businesses a channel to the government. It is really a win-win situation."
Consul General Stephen Wickman echoed the business community's sentiment, saying, "Business opportunities are growing in the Northeast, and the opening of AmCham-China, Dalian Chapter reflects this exciting trend."
About the American Chamber of Commerce in China:
AmCham-China is an independent, non-profit organization representing the interests of over 2,600 companies and individuals doing business throughout China. First founded in 1920, it was formally recognized by China's Ministry of Civil Affairs in 1991. The organization has its headquarters in Beijing, with chapters in Central China (Wuhan), Tianjin and Dalian. For more information, visit: http://www.amchamchina.org
