U.S. Chamber’s Donohue Leads Fourth Meeting of U.S.-China CEO Dialogue

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue is leading a delegation of top U.S. CEOs this week at the fourth annual U.S.-China CEO and Former Senior Officials' Dialogue. In advance of the U.S.-China presidential Summit Meeting on June 7 through 8, top business leaders and former cabinet-level officials from both countries are meeting in Beijing from June 4 through 5 to discuss opportunities, challenges, and shared priorities in the U.S.-China economic relationship.

“This is a critically important economic relationship, and we want it to succeed—not just for the benefit of our nations and our businesses, but for the stability and prosperity of the world,” Donohue said. “The Dialogue is a chance for leading U.S. and Chinese CEOs, supported by former top policymakers in both countries, to discuss ways to build on our already significant commercial ties by increasing two-way trade and investment, and promoting new business partnerships in the areas of financial services, energy, infrastructure, and information technology.”

At the official opening of the Dialogue, Donohue, joined by Zeng Peiyan, chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), offered remarks focusing on opportunities to further strengthen U.S.-China business ties, including through a high-standard investment agreement, and a vision for how to address economic and commercial barriers between the two countries.

“We have made significant strides in deepening both commercial and strategic ties but need to do more to reach our full potential as partners,” Donohue noted. “To strengthen our economic relationship and build mutual trust, we must address our domestic economic challenges and resolve the bilateral issues currently threatening to undercut our progress, including cyber theft of commercial secrets, policies that restrict foreign investment, and inadequate enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights.”

International trade and investment is a key component of the Chamber’s 2013 American Jobs and Growth Agenda, an ambitious plan to generate stronger economic growth, create jobs, and expand opportunity for all Americans.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 50 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 116 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.