CG Goldbeck Visits “Green” Fuzhou and Ningde

During his fifth trip to Fujian Province August 16-18, Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck visited the capital city Fuzhou and Ningde to meet with local leaders and promote trade and investment, especially in green technology.  The Consul General was accompanied by the Consulate’s new Outreach Unit Officer, Mr. Marc Jackson.

In Fuzhou Consul General Goldbeck met with Vice Mayor Zhu Hua, who described the city’s development plans. They discussed U.S. investment opportunities, specifically U.S. products and services that could benefit Fuzhou, as well as Cross-Straits investment and issues affecting Fujian’s future development such as health care reform and labor.

The Consul General also met with the China Council on Promotion of International Trade, to discuss trade and investment in Fuzhou and in the United States. He visited the Covanta Fuzhou Hongmiaoling Waste-to-Energy Company, Ltd. and also talked with employees from Blount Industries in Fuzhou.

Consul General Goldbeck visited the Hidden Treasures Foster Care Home in Fuzhou, which was founded in 2005 by an American couple, Mike and Deena Van’t Huls, to care for children with disabilities. Over the years the couple and their staff, relying on donations, expanded their facilities and now provide a loving, caring environment for up to 32 children in need. The Consul General was touched by the extraordinary example set by the Van’t Huls and their dedicated staff of Chinese and foreign volunteers.  He told the Van’t Huls that their efforts, along with those of their staff, are a remarkable example of how people-to-people diplomacy strengthens the bonds between China and the United States.

On August 17 in Ningde Consul General Goldbeck met with Mr. Lin Duoxiang, the Director General of the Ningde People’s Congress, and Vice-Mayor Mr. Chen Hui.  They discussed Ningde’s development plans and ways in which American corporations and products could be of assistance.  The Consul General was interested to learn about Ningde’s recent infrastructure improvement projects, including hi-speed rail connections and highways, that will enable Ningde to expand its manufacturing and port facilities.

The Consul General also visited the Ningde Urban Planning Exhibition Hall; Xiawei Food Company, Ltd.; and Able Electric Motor Company, Ltd. to promote U.S. trade.