Press Release

August 14, 2009

U.S. Consul General Goldbeck Makes First Trip Outside of Guangzhou and Visits Fuzhou

On his first official visit since assuming duties on July 24 as U.S. Consul General for Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi and Hainan provinces, Mr. Brian L. Goldbeck visited Fuzhou August 12 to 14 to meet with key government, business and community leaders, and to participate in the opening of a 30th Anniversary of U.S.-China Relations photo exhibit at the Fujian Provincial Art Gallery.

This first trip to Fuzhou provided Consul General Goldbeck with an opportunity to introduce himself and hear views about the issues and events shaping Fujian province.  Meetings included Vice Governor Hong Jiexu; Fuzhou Acting Mayor Su Zengtian; the provincial-level Development and Reform Commission, Intellectual Property Office, General Administration of Customs, and Border Control of the Armed Police Force; Fuzhou-based members of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China; Fuzhou University and a Fujian-based school for the blind; as well as a Fujian-based nongovernmental organization.

During his remarks at the photo exhibit opening, Consul General Goldbeck stated: “I know that many Chinese-Americans have close ties with Fujian. Such people-to-people relationships have contributed to the establishment of a long-term and stable relationship of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Fujian.  Trade and investment ties have also expanded significantly in both directions, further linking our people and our economies.”

Reflecting on his trip, Consul General Goldbeck said “Fujian is an important focus of U.S.-China relations and I am committed to promoting bilateral understanding along with trade and investment there.  The U.S. and Fujian 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, human trafficking, environmental protection and global warming, to name a few.  We hope for continued close cooperation with Fujian provincial and local governments.”