Press Release

U.S. Consul General Goldbeck Visits Shenzhen

U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck visited Shenzhen September 16 to 18 to meet with key Shenzhen government leaders and with Chinese and American businesses, to visit the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and to inspect Yantian Port. Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Zhuo Qinrui met with Mr. Goldbeck.

This official visit to Shenzhen provided Consul General Goldbeck with an opportunity to hear about the issues and events shaping commerce in South China, promote increased U.S. and Chinese trade and investment, and encourage stronger academic and cultural ties between China and the United States.

Consul General Goldbeck was accompanied by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer in Guangzhou, John Huang; Consulate Economic Officer Mr. Nolan Barkhouse; a Consular Officer; Foreign Commercial Service Officer Andrew Gately; Jose Ducos-Bello, Container Security Initiative (CSI) Officer; and others.

The meeting also included the officials from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange; Shenzhen Branch of Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade President He Xuewen; Continuous Computing China Managing Director Jeffrey Tang; Measurement Specialties General Manager Alice Chen; leaders and Shenzhen members of the American Chamber of Commerce.

During his remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce, Consul General Goldbeck stated: “We are impressed with how Shenzhen in 30 years has experienced breath-taking growth, from quiet farmland, to becoming a world manufacturing, trading and shipping center. American business in Shenzhen is booming.  Regions that successfully attract U.S. investment share common characteristics, such as dependable workforces and infrastructure, transparent, fair and predictable policies, and business-friendly attitudes backed by political commitment to make the partnership work now and into the future.  We also want to get the word out that the United States is open for business and 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 is part of President Obama's goal of building a positive, comprehensive and constructive relationship between the United States and China. Shenzhen demonstrates the successfulness of this partnership.  We encourage Chinese and U.S. business, government and academic organizations to expand their relationships and partnerships. The United States and Shenzhen share many mutual interests and concerns, and we see excellent opportunities for working together on many issues such as economic development and trade, educational exchange, intellectual property protection, transparent standards for international travel, and environmental protection, to name a few. Shenzhen's dynamism, energy and vitality are invigorating, and I look forward to frequent visits.”