This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page . (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Founded | 1919 |
---|---|
Type | Non-governmental organization |
Focus | Business advocacy |
Headquarters | Beijing, China |
Location |
|
Area served | China |
Chair | Alvin Liu [1] |
Vice Chairs | Su Cheng Harris Simpson Min Qin, Travis Tanner [2] |
Publication | AmCham China Quarterly Magazine [3] China Business Climate Survey Report [4] American Business in China White Paper [5] |
Staff | 40 + [6] |
Website | https://www.amchamchina.org |
The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham China) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization it has 4,000 individual members from 900 companies operating across China. The chamber provides information, networking opportunities, business support services, and advocacy to promote a mutually beneficial bilateral business environment for the U.S. and China. [7]
AmCham China is the only officially recognized chamber of commerce representing American businesses in mainland China. AmCham China has more than 50 industry- and issue-specific Committees. [8] These working groups serve as a platform for the American business community and other organizations in China to foster understanding, share information, pursue common interests, promote trade and investment, and strengthen cooperation. [9]
The first American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing (then Peking) was established in 1919, with eight founding member companies, including Standard Oil. [10] The organization disbanded when war broke out, and the chamber did not reform until 1981. AmCham China was formally registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 1991. As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the business success of its members, AmCham China is not affiliated with any branch of government. [11]
AmCham China is a member-led organization rooted in the vision, hard work, and dedication of its members, many of whom are leaders within their companies and the business community. Currently, its national level operations are guided by the Chairperson, three Vice-Chairpersons, and 10 governors who comprise the organization's Board of Governors. All voting members of AmCham China are eligible to participate in an annual election to select the Board.
The Annual Government Appreciation Dinner, first held in December 2000, is one of AmCham China’s key events. The inaugural event hosted over 400 guests, including U.S. Ambassador Joseph Prueher and Shi Guangsheng, Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. Since its inception, the Dinner has been attended by senior Chinese and U.S. officials, such as Vice Premier Wu Yi in 2007, Vice Premier Wang Yang in 2015, and Vice President Han Zheng in 2024, along with various U.S. Ambassadors to China. The Dinner serves as a platform for engagement between AmCham China members and government representatives, facilitating discussions on economic and trade issues. [12]
AmCham China's headquarters are located in Beijing's Central Business District. In addition to the headquarters in Beijing, AmCham China serves Tianjin, Central China, Northeast China, and Southwest China through our Chapters in Tianjin, Dalian, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Chengdu. Across those locations, AmCham China has more than 30 working groups, and holds more than 300 events each year. [13]
The Board of Governors consists of 14 voting individuals: the Chairperson, three Vice-Chairpersons, and 10 governors. The Treasurer, the General Counsel, the President, the most recent former Chairperson of the Board of Governors, and the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of any Chapter serve as non-voting ex-officio members. [9] The Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing and making policy decisions for AmCham China. It meets to discuss ongoing matters of the chamber at least six times per year. The Board also selects and appoints the President to supervise and direct all employees of the Chamber. [9]
The Chair must be a citizen of the United States and have a record of active participation in the Board of Governors, a Chamber committee, or a Chamber forum within the two years prior the election. [9] The Chair is eligible for two one-year terms, but it is possible for former Chairs to run again for additional non-consecutive terms. At the end of one's term, the former Chair may continue serving as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board unless otherwise elected as a regular Board member.
In addition to playing a general supervisory role in AmCham China's organizational development, the Chair presides over all Board of Governors meetings, executes the decisions of the Board of Governors, appoints the head of each committee and forum, and represents the chamber in external relations. The Chair also appoints the Treasurer and General Counsel of the Board of Governors. [9]
The Vice-Chairs provide consultation and assume appropriate roles as designated by the Chairperson. In the Chairpersons absence, a Vice-Chairs may preside over meetings and assume the Chairpersonship in the case of the Chairpersons resignation. [9]
The Election Committee supervises and reviews the election process for Board of Governors positions. It is selected by the Board of Governors from voting members of AmCham China. Election Committee members are prohibited from running for any position on the Board of Governors in the upcoming election, and current officers or members of the Board of Governors may not serve on the Election Committee. [9]
AmCham China's membership includes 4,000 individuals and 900 companies. For an annual fee, membership is offered to major multinational companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, and other individuals involved with China.
In 2000, AmCham China specified 10 different membership categories for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. The Board of Governors then introduced five streamlined membership options in 2012. The new main categories are as follows: [14]
1) Chairman's Circle: An enhanced leadership group for business intelligence, access, and influence. For over 20 years, AmCham China has played a leading role in US-China relations. These select members have the opportunity to join an exclusive group that will enjoy enhanced leadership status within the community, receive advanced business intelligence, access, influence, and exposure for their business.
2) Large corporate: Companies with global revenues of US $50 million or more.
3) Small corporate: Companies with global revenues of US $1-50 million.
3) Venture corporate: Companies with global revenues of less than US $1 million.
4) Voting Individual: Voting members receive one vote per year to elect the new Board of Governors, must be US citizens.
5) Young/Senior Professionals: Discounted membership for young/senior professional US citizens without voting rights. [15]
American Business in China White Paper [16]
For over two decades, the annual American Business in China White Paper has been one of AmCham China's signature products and codified members’ collective insights on the current business climate in China, while setting the chamber's official position regarding high-priority issues that affect the American business community in China. The White Paper also serves as an annual assessment of the progress made on policies and regulations and is a key platform for discussion and engagement with the Chinese and U.S. government.
The White Paper includes an annual Recommendation Scorecard measuring progress in a wide range of policy areas. The 2017 White Paper found the most significant progress in banking and capital markets regulation, business sustainability and non-profit engagement. Meanwhile, several areas, including agriculture, automotive policy, and securities investment saw little or no legislative progress.
The 26th edition of the American Business in China White Paper explores the cross-cutting, industry-specific, national, and regional issues faced by AmCham China’s member companies in 2023 and early 2024. Each chapter offers practical recommendations for addressing challenges facing the American business community that will, if implemented, benefit both foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and the Chinese economy. We hope that this year’s White Paper will serve as a constructive tool for both the US and Chinese governments and offer a comprehensive set of recommendations for both countries as they work towards greater mutual understanding and successful resolution of outstanding company concerns. [16]
China Business Climate Survey Report [17]
For over twenty years, AmCham China has been conducting the China Business Climate Survey (BCS) to reflect on the business performance and outlook of member companies in China. The BCS report serves as an important reference for understanding the overall sentiment of the American business community in China. It offers valuable insights into critical topics for both Chinese and US policymakers, as well as foreign enterprises looking to invest in and operate within China. [18]
AmCham China Quarterly Magazine [19]
The AmCham China Quarterly magazine delivers high-quality, unique business and policy insights to the executives of our almost 1,000 member companies and the greater business community, including many government stakeholders.
The Quarterly taps into the wealth of expertise and perspectives stemming from our members to provide a window into the industries, policies, and developments surrounding business in China, US-China relations, and the cutting edge of corporate innovation around the globe. [19]
AmCham China’s 30+ industry Committees lead the Chamber's advocacy, industry relations, and community development. There are Committees focusing on industry sectors, corporate functions, and special issue-based interests that well represent American businesses operating in China. [20]
Established in 2004, and endorsed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) is committed to working with CAAC, Chinese airlines, airports, associations, research institutes and aviation experts to strengthen safety, capacity and efficiency in China’s aviation system. ACP is an innovative public-private initiative that enhances friendship and partnership and promotes bilateral trade relations between the US and China.
With nearly 36 corporate members from various disciplines within the aviation industry, the program is co-chaired by FAA and Boeing and its public members include FAA, US Embassy, TSA, and DOT. ACP friends and partners include CAAC, State Air Traffic Control (ATC) Commission, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), IATA, Chinese airlines, and Chinese airports.
Each year, ACP programs millions of dollars of assistance with help from ACP’s 36 US member companies, and USG advisors. ACP’s work is grouped into several categories deemed as priorities for ACP assistance. This assistance takes the form of training, studies and technical assistance, US orientation visits, workshops, and symposiams. [21]
The U.S.-China Healthcare Cooperation Program (HCP) is a collaborative initiative, founded in 2011, based on a joint public-private partnership in healthcare announcement, striving to build closer working relations between the U.S. and China governments while leveraging healthcare industry strengths in order to foster long-term cooperation with China in the areas of technology, public health, policy research, training, and R&D, and to support the Chinese government's goal of enhancing patient access to healthcare services in China. Government agencies, including the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Commerce, US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, and Ministry of Commerce of China, have participated and provided guidance in this program. The Program follows two highly successful, siting US-China public-private partnerships that operate under AmCham China's umbrella (Aviation Cooperation Program and the Energy Cooperation Program).
HCP membership includes 27 companies and 7 non-profit organizations and associations, covering healthcare services, medical devices, pharmaceutical companies, medical insurance, healthcare IT, consulting and various other areas. The Program features four working groups addressing key issues shaping healthcare development in China, including Hospital management and Healthcare IT, Healthcare Financing, Disease Prevention & Health Management, and Quality & Safety that each host various workshops, trainings, and study tours."
U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP)’s mission is to act as a bilateral public private partnership platform to facilitate business cooperation between US and Chinese companies, advance sustainable development in the energy industry and combat climate change. Since its inauguration, the US-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) has actively engaged in in-depth exchanges and cooperation with the relevant government agencies, industry groups, scientific research institutions and enterprises of the United States and China. At present, more than 20 Chinese companies have long-term strategic cooperation agreements. Each year ECP holds business workshops and field visits in a dozen of provinces. ECP's working groups cover a range of issues including energy supply, energy systems and integration, energy demand, crosscutting support.
Established in 2006, the Export Compliance Working Group (ECWG) draws from membership companies of AmCham China as well as AmCham Shanghai. Its focus is information-sharing, collaboration, and policy recommendations for U.S.-China high-tech trade. [22]
The U.S.-China Agriculture & Food Partnership seeks to resolve problems and create opportunities for the improved coordination and development of the U.S. and Chinese food and agriculture industries. Since 2013, it has linked the public, private, and NGO sectors to promote food security, safety, and sustainability.
The U.S.-China connection is the indispensable relationship of the 21st Century – and food and agricultural trade is a key strategic pillar of the overall bilateral economic partnership. U.S. and Chinese agriculture and food linkages are expected to deepen further because of tremendous potential synergies driven by different endowments of land, labor and capital. To be sure, the relationship has yet to reach its fullest potential. The overall agricultural trading relationship is robust and has tremendous growth potential. However, continuing trade frictions, the influence of non-agricultural issues, and perhaps underdeveloped links between the U.S. and Chinese agriculture and food industries have all diminished what should be a fully positive and mutually beneficial relationship. However, with the continuing emergence of China's middle class, persistent concerns about food prices, and the development of competitive food and agricultural firms on both sides of the Pacific, there is tremendous potential for further trade, investment and cooperation.
The U.S.-China Agriculture & Food Partnership focuses specifically on changing both the tone and substance of the bilateral relationship. By resolving problems and creating opportunities through increased coordination, more effective issue advocacy and the development of a more positive relationship between the U.S. and Chinese food and agriculture industries. The organization also serves as a platform to connect business with relevant government entities in a more coherent way and builds upon themes of food safety, food security and sustainable agriculture.
In 2020, AmCham China drew attention for featuring Wang Chen, a U.S.-sanctioned member of the Chinese Communist Party, as a guest at their annual Appreciation Dinner, which prompted criticism.
Following the report, US Congressman Michael McCaul, Lead Republican on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs said in a statement, "It is unconscionable for the American Chamber of Commerce in China to host a Chinese Communist Party official under U.S. sanctions at its annual appreciation gala. If American businesses are being forced to celebrate and toast Party officials who trample our values, then the U.S. government must continue to do all it can to protect our national interests. I trust AmCham China and its Board of Governors will explain this truly regrettable and disappointing decision in a transparent manner to their companies and Congress without delay. Their reputation as a credible voice of American business depends on it." [23]
The International Chamber of Commerce is the largest, most representative business organization in the world. ICC represents over 45 million businesses in over 170 countries who have interests spanning every sector of private enterprise.
The Election Committee is the electoral college in Hong Kong that selects the Chief Executive (CE) and, since 2021, elects 40 of the 90 members of the Legislative Council. Established by Annex I of the Basic Law of Hong Kong which states that "the Chief Executive shall be elected by a broadly representative Election Committee in accordance with this Law and appointed by the Central People's Government ." It is formed and performs its selection function once every five years, even in the event of a CE not completing their term. The membership of the Election Committee was expanded to 1,500 under the massive overhaul of the electoral system in 2021. The Election Committee has been criticised for its "small-circle" electoral basis and its composition favouring pro-Beijing and business interests.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan is an international business association based in Taipei City, Taiwan, with about 1,100 members representing over 580 companies across various sectors.
The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) – originally the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce (1922-1945), then Aircraft Industries Association (1945-1960) – is an American trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, space systems, aircraft engines, missiles, material, and related components, equipment, services, and information technology in the United States. It also co-sponsors, with the National Association of Rocketry, the America Rocketry Challenge (TARC), an annual competition for high school students. Member companies also give awards and scholarships to top placing teams at the TARC national finals each year, and it is funded through sponsoring companies. AIA also develops the manufacturing standards called National Aerospace Standards, which are available to aerospace manufacturers that conform to United States Military Standards for equipment manufacturing and provide standards for other various components.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) is a Belgium-based committee of companies that lobbies in the European Union for US companies and companies with US business ties. It is a member of Amchams in Europe (ACE), an umbrella organization of related committees.
The Tanzania Chamber (TCCIA) is a Tanzanian government institution with a mandate to promote industry and business, and to facilitate an interface between the private sector and public sector in the country. TCCIA was founded in 1988 and its head offices are in Dar es Salaam. It has played in important role in the privatization and liberalization of Tanzania's economy.
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) is the leading foreign business organization operating in Russia. Founded in 1994, AmCham advocates the trade and investment interests of its member companies, which include major U.S. Corporations, as well as large European and Russian companies. The Chamber advances commercial relations between the Russian Federation and the international community by promoting an investment-friendly environment. In so doing, the Chamber maintains a constant dialogue with the Russian government to protect and promote the economic interests of member companies.
Juan Mauricio Wurmser is a founding partner, President and CEO of Wurmser Ogilvy & Mather, the O&M advertising firm in Guatemala. He is also founding partner and Chairman of Hill + Knowlton Strategies, Guatemala, the local subsidiary of this international public relations firm. He is a member of the Ogilvy Latina Executive Committee where he represents the Central American and Caribbean operations. Wurmser is involved in other business ventures in the marketing services and communications areas that include 141 Soho Square, MEC, Mindshare and Mediacom, all part of the WPP Group. He has more than 30 years of experience in the marketing of consumer goods throughout Latin America and a history of active participation in business chambers and organizations, as well as a spell of public service with the government of Guatemala.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai is a nonprofit organization and the only Canadian chamber of commerce in China. Its mission is to support Canadian businesses in East China by helping businesses develop their networks and marketing opportunities as well as to cultivate a thriving Canadian community in Shanghai. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai is located at the Jing`An Kerry Centre in the Jing`An district of Shanghai. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is led by 12 member board of directors. The executive director and the staff of the Chamber are responsible for the daily operations of the Chamber. Matt Whately is the current executive director.
Nicholas Everett Hollis, born May 11, 1944, in Randolph, Vermont, became a leading trade expansionist over the last three decades of the twentieth century sponsoring dozens of high-level trade/investment missions and international conferences utilizing influential business and government positions in organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Industry Center for Trade Negotiations (ICTN), U.S. Department of State/Agency for International Development (USAID), Agri-Energy Roundtable (AER), and most recently as president of The Agribusiness Council (ABC), a nonprofit organization founded by Henry Heinz II in 1967.
Agri-Energy Roundtable (AER) is a nonprofit and non-governmental organization accredited by the United Nations and established in 1980 as a forum for encouraging dialogue on cooperative energy and agricultural development between industrialized and developing nations. AER conducts international conferences, regional seminars and workshops, trade missions and technical assistance for the formation of autonomous indigenous counterpart associations.
The Nebraska Legislature is the legislature of the U.S. state of Nebraska. The Legislature meets at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. With 49 members, known as "senators", the Nebraska Legislature is the smallest U.S. state legislature. A total of 25 members is required for a majority; however, in order to overcome a filibuster, a two-thirds vote of all members is required, which takes 33 votes.
James Richardson Comer Jr. is an American politician from Kentucky who represents the state's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party, he has served in Congress since 2016, during the 114th United States Congress. He previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives and also served as the Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky.
Hari Shankar Singhania was the President of J.K. Organisation, a leading Indian industrial group, which has its roots extending nearly 100 years, and is one of the largest industrial groups in India. It has multi-business, multi-product and multi-location operations. Most of the companies in the group are public limited entities, with more than 40,000 employees. The group has more than 500,000 shareholders, with a nationwide sales and service network of over 10,000 distributors and many retailers and service centres. The group has export interests in nearly 90 countries across the globe.
The US-ASEAN Business Council is an advocacy group that aims to foster economic growth and trade ties between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s ten member countries. It is the only U.S.-based organization enshrined in the ASEAN charter. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Council has offices in New York City, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The Council represents more than 170 of the largest US corporations.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is independent, modern and responsible non-budget institution, the national association of all Serbian businesses which its tradition, experience, and knowledge put in the best interest of its members and the economy of Serbia. To establish Serbia as a country with great investment potential, free market economy and open borders, a country prepared to be competitively integrated into the European mainstream. A century and a half long tradition of the chamber system of Serbia and widely spread chamber network encompassing sixteen Regional Chamber of Commerce, two Provincial Chambers, Belgrade Chamber of Commerce and Industry and nine representative offices abroad are supporting economy and the business community.
Thomas Moses McInnis is an American politician. He was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2014. A Republican, he serves the 25th District which previously included Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly and a portion of Rowan counties. Due to the redrawing of the legislative district maps in 2018, District 25 now includes Anson, Moore, Richmond and Scotland Counties.
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (European Chamber), is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation established to support and represent the interests of companies from the European Union operating in China. The main objective of the European Chamber is to advocate for a better business environment. It does this through its membership services of advocacy, business intelligence, and community. The organisation is headquartered in Beijing, China.
Raffaele "Raff" Ciccone is an Australian politician who is a Senator for Victoria, representing the Australian Labor Party. He was appointed to the Senate on 6 March 2019 following the resignation of Jacinta Collins, becoming the 100th Senator to represent the state of Victoria.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai is an organization that promotes American businesses in China through its main offices in Shanghai. AmCham Shanghai was founded in 1915 as the third American Chamber of Commerce established outside the United States, and now has 3,000 members from 1,500 companies. Its membership ranges from large corporations to small startups and includes companies from diverse industries. As a non-profit, non-partisan business organization, AmCham Shanghai promotes free trade, open markets, private enterprise and the unrestricted flow of information.