U.S. Consul General Celebrates Volunteerism and Business Development in Liuzhou

CG Goldbeck and City Officials at the Longtan Park Friendship Bridge, Liuzhou

On February 3rd, U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck made his first official visit to Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The purpose of this trip, his third to Guangxi since arriving in July, 2009, was to learn about and promote local volunteerism and education, to understand local business and economic conditions, and to promote increased bilateral exchanges and trade and investment.. The Consul General was accompanied by Economic/Political Officer Nolan Barkhouse, Assistant Public Affairs Officer Dan Holtrop, IPR Officer Conrad Wong, and others.

In Liuzhou the Consul General met with Mayor Zheng Jun Kang and other municipal leaders.  They discussed Liuzhou’s development plans as well as  business prospects in Liuzhou and bilateral trade and investment opportunities, including in clean energy and environmental protection.  CG Goldbeck applauded Liuzhou's broad and vibrant relationship with Cincinnati,  its American sister city, calling it an excellent model for building people-to-people relationships.  A chance meeting with visiting Cincinnati Art Museum Director Aaron Betsky, who was in Liuzhou exploring exchange possibilities, underscored this point.  The Consul General also met with representatives from the General Motors Joint Venture Factory and toured the factory floor. There he emphasized the importance of U.S-China cooperation in the development of sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly business practices.  Mr. Goldbeck toured the Liugong factory to learn about conditions in China's construction machinery industry. 

CG Goldbeck additionally met with school leaders and education officials at the Liuzhou Minority High School to inquire about education in the city and opportunities for expanding educational exchanges.  Mr. Goldbeck also met Chairwoman Peng Nianxiu and toured the facilities of the Xingyu Special Education Center.  Xingyu was set up in August 2004 to help children diagnosed with autism and their families to improve their quality of life. Xingyu offers the first autism-intervention service in Liuzhou. This private organization offers training workshops to parents, rehabilitative training for children, and promotion of public awareness and volunteerism. Mr. Goldbeck held a press availability in Liuzhou to share his positive impressions of civil society, volunteerism, and social responsibility found in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and in Liuzhou City.  He briefly toured scenic Longtan Park, a joint Cincinnati-Liuzhou project. 

In Liuzhou Mr. Goldbeck said: “Liuzhou is a charming, friendly city with a bright and energetic future.  In this brief visit, I felt a growing excitement about volunteerism and bilateral cooperation on key issues in Liuzhou, which is important as we continue to advance and strengthen U.S. and China relations, particularly in South China. I hope that the U.S. and China can expand partnerships and cooperation on key issues such as economic development and trade as well as mutually advance the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility.  Joint venture investments by U.S. firms such as General Motors are an important part of our growing bilateral trade and investment partnership, a 'win-win' result for both China and the U.S.  We look ahead to the further growth of our relationship with Liuzhou."