U.S. Consul General Promotes Business and Cultural Exchange in Heyuan and Meizhou

CG experiences local Hakka life style.

Consul General Goldbeck tours Wanlu lake to see Heyuan’s environmental protection first hand.

August 6, 2010 - In his first visits to Heyuan and Meizhou in northeast Guangdong province August 4-5, U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck met with businesses and government officials to promote trade, investment, and cultural cooperation. 

During his August 4 meeting with Heyuan Party Secretary Chen Jianhua and Mayor Liu Xiaohua, Party Secretary Chen described the city’s goal of attracting companies specializing in new materials, energy, pharmaceuticals, and technology.  Consul General Goldbeck discussed prospects for building stronger relationships on a local level.  Specific measures being considered included establishing a sister-city relationship, increasing educational exchanges, and closer interaction with the Consulate’s Commercial and Agricultural Sections.  The Consul General credited the Party Secretary and Mayor for their “great vision” in developing a modern city while maintaining Heyuan’s quality of life and renowned pristine environment. 

Consul General Goldbeck also visited Heyuan’s Hi-tech Development Zone, toured local companies and Wanlu Lake, the largest man-made lake in South China and a major water source for Hong Kong and other Pearl River delta cities.

While in Meizhou on August 5, the Consul General spoke with Vice Mayor Chen Lixia about the Hakka people’s strong traditional commitment to educational development.  Consul General Goldbeck encouraged educational collaboration saying, “We welcome Chinese students to the United States.” He noted that visa applications have been approved for 80% of all Chinese undergraduate students; 90% of all graduate student applications are approved.  The parties agreed to continue improving communication and exploring business opportunities.

In addition to these meetings, Consul General Goldbeck used the trip as an opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for Hakka culture.  He visited South Garden Ancient Hakka Village and also toured Meizhou’s Hakka museum to learn more about Hakka traditions, architecture and farming.