Press Release

Promoting Green Investment with Dongguan

U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck made his first official visit to Dongguan on October 16 to consult with key government and business leaders.  Consul General Goldbeck was accompanied by Economic and Political Chief Stephan Lang, Assistant Public Affairs Officer Daniel Holtrop, and others.

Consul General Goldbeck saw the economic phenomenon of Dongguan first-hand, encouraged stronger ties between Dongguan and the United States, and promoted increased U.S.-Chinese trade and investment. 

Consul General Goldbeck's meetings included Dongguan Mayor Li Yuquan; Dongguan City Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment Chairman Chu Kwok Kai and Honorary Chairman Eddie Leung; and Nine Dragons Vice President Liu Minzhong.  He also met with reporters from Dongguan TV, Radio Dongguan, Sun0769.com, Dgtoday.com.cn, and Here magazine.

During his remarks at the Dongguan Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, Consul General Goldbeck stated:  “Today I have learned how the world economic downturn has affected Dongguan, but also how the city is using that crisis as an opportunity to retool and modernize its economic model both for continued growth and for quality of life.  I appreciate your advice on how U.S. companies can better cooperate with Chinese firms.  As Dongguan moves up the value chain, we encourage you to look to the U.S. market.  American businesses are interested in places like Guangdong where we can find opportunities along with dynamic, energetic, and eager partners plus business-friendly attitudes.” 

The Consul General continued: “We 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.  I was pleased to hear that Dongguan won an award from LivCom for its urban landscaping and for improving its environment.  When Dongguan goes shopping for green technology and investments, we hope you remember your American friends.”

Reflecting on his trip, Mr. Goldbeck concluded: “Expanding business and cultural contacts are part of President Obama's goal of building a positive, comprehensive and constructive relationship between the United States and China.  Dongguan demonstrates the potential of this partnership.  We encourage other Chinese and U.S. business and government organizations to expand their relationships.  The United States and Dongguan share many mutual interests and concerns, and we see excellent opportunities for working together on many issues.  Examples of these issues are: tourism, economic development and trade, intellectual property protection, and environmental protection, to name a few.  Given Dongguan’s impressive development and award-winning welcoming environment, I look forward to future visits.”