Press Release

September 10, 2009

U.S. Consul General Goldbeck Makes First Trip to Xiamen to Attend CIFIT

On his first official visit to Xiamen since assuming duties on July 24 as U.S. Consul General for Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi and Hainan provinces, Mr. Brian L. Goldbeck visited Xiamen September 7 to 9 to meet with key government, business and academic leaders, and to participate in the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) and U.S.-China Enterprises Investment Cooperation Forum.  Consul General Goldbeck attended the China International Fair for Investment and Trade as part of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham) delegation.  He was accompanied by Commercial Consul Ms. Ireas Cook, Consulate Fujian Affairs Officer Mr. Gary Oba, Economic Officer Mr. Nolan Barkhouse, a Consular Section representative, U.S. Embassy Beijing Energy Officer Mr. Martin Schoenbauer, and others.

This first trip to Xiamen provided Consul General Goldbeck with an opportunity to introduce himself, hear views about the issues and events shaping Xiamen, promote increased U.S. and Chinese trade and investment in both directions, and encourage stronger academic and cultural ties between Xiamen University and the United States.  Consul General Goldbeck's meetings during CIFIT together with the AmCham delegation included Fujian Party Secretary Lu Zhangong; Fujian Governor Huang Xiaojing; Xiamen Party Secretary Yu Weiguo; and Xiamen Mayor Liu Cigui.  Consul General Goldbeck and the AmCham delegation also met during CIFIT with Hainan Province officials, including Hainan Provincial Government Deputy Secretary General Ni Jian, and Hainan People’s Congress Vice Chair Mr. Kang Yaohong.  In addition, Consul General Goldbeck held separate meetings with Xiamen Port Authority Director General Wang Yongjun to discuss port development and investment prospects and Xiamen University President Zhu Chongshi to promote educational exchanges.

During his remarks at the U.S.-China Enterprises Investment Cooperation Forum to discuss U.S. policies to attract Chinese investment and opportunities to cooperate on alternative energy technologies, Consul General Goldbeck stated: “We want to get the word out that the United States is open for business.  We welcome Chinese firms to come to the United States and take advantage of our highly skilled and talented work force, our strong infrastructure, and our transparent legal system; not to mention access to the world's most lucrative consumer market.”  Consul General Goldbeck toured the U.S. pavilion at CIFIT including booths from the states of Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Missouri and Idaho, as well as from the cities of San Diego (California), Houston (Texas), and Tacoma (Washington). He also toured the Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan pavilions.

Reflecting on his trip, Consul General Goldbeck said “CIFIT provides an excellent opportunity for Chinese and U.S. business and government representatives to meet to begin or expand relationships and partnerships.  The large U.S. business delegation reflects U.S. interest in China and the Consulate's team was there to show U.S. government support for this process and the U.S.-China relationship.  Further, Xiamen is an important focus of U.S.-China relations and I am committed to promoting bilateral understanding along with trade and investment there.  The United States and Xiamen share many mutual interests and concerns, and we see excellent opportunities for working together on many issues such as economic development and trade, intellectual property protection, combating illegal migration, and environmental protection, to name a few.  We hope for continued close cooperation with Fujian provincial and local Xiamen governments.”