Promoting Business, Education Ties with Zhuhai

Caption: U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck (2nd from right) poses with the Executive Vice-President of United International College (UIC) Professor Kwok (middle) and other UIC management members during the high table dinner at UIC, Zhuhai, on the evening of October 8.

 

U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck made his first official visit to Zhuhai on October 8 and 9 to meet with key government, business and academic leaders.  Consul General Goldbeck was accompanied by Public Affairs Officer Robert Palladino, Economic and Political Officer Janny Phan, a consular officer, and others.

During this visit to Zhuhai, Consul General Goldbeck saw the economic miracle of Zhuhai first-hand, encouraged stronger academic and cultural ties between Zhuhai and the United States, and promoted increased U.S.-Chinese trade and investment.  Toward that end, the Consul General attended a Hong Kong-style High Table dinner at United International College in Zhuhai for a dialogue with key faculty members and 150 students, marking the 30th anniversary of U.S.-China diplomatic relations and underscoring the need for ever stronger bilateral relations. 

Consul General Goldbeck's meetings included Zhuhai Vice Mayor Chen Honghui; Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office Deputy Director Zhou Song; Zhuhai BOFTEC and CCPIT; Flextronics Vice President Fu Jun; Zhuhai Center for Social Work Facilitators; and United International College’s Executive Vice President S.T. Edmund Kwok. 

During his remarks at United International College’s High Table dinner, Consul General Goldbeck stated: "The academic and entrepreneurial openness of Zhuhai is exemplary and impressive.  Zhuhai has experienced rapid development to become a leader in education, commerce, culture and civil society in modern China.  This university sets an example for rigorous, unbiased academic inquiry and excellence in China.  We know that intellectual and business openness are essential to creativity and innovation.  American businesses are interested in places like Zhuhai where we can find opportunities along with dynamic, energetic, and eager partners plus business-friendly attitudes.  We also want to get the word out that the United States is open for business including Chinese investment. We welcome Chinese firms to come to the U.S. to take advantage of our highly skilled and talented work force, our strong infrastructure, our cutting-edge green and energy-saving technology, and our transparent legal system; not to mention access to the world's most lucrative consumer market.

Reflecting on his trip, Consul General Goldbeck said “Expanding business and cultural contacts and encouraging educational excellence are part of President Obama's goal of building a positive, comprehensive and constructive relationship between the United States and China.  Zhuhai demonstrates the potential of this partnership.  The U.S. Consulate will support Zhuhai’s delegates when they visit San Francisco and Boston to purchase medical services and devices.  Similarly, we will promote U.S. participation in Zhuhai’s 2010 Boat Show.  We encourage other Chinese and U.S. business, academic and government organizations to expand their relationships and partnerships as well. The United States and Zhuhai share many mutual interests and concerns, and we see excellent opportunities for working together on many issues such as educational exchange, research, economic development and trade, intellectual property protection, transparent standards for international travel, and environmental protection, to name a few.  Given Zhuhai’s impressive development and welcoming business and academic environment, I look forward to future visits.”