On the afternoon of September 13, the 2023 China (Shenzhen)-North America Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference was held successfully in Futian District. The event was hosted by the Commerce Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, and co-organized by the North American Representative Office of Shenzhen and the Futian District Investment Promotion and Enterprise Service Center. The event aims to facilitate technological exchanges and cooperation among businesses in Shenzhen and North America. Featuring urban business environment and industrial development trends, the conference allows participants to share experience and explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as technological innovation and cross-border trade. More than 120 representatives of government institutions, business associations, and companies from Shenzhen and North America attended the event.
Mr. Jian Zheng, Deputy Director General of the Commerce Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, emphasized in his speech that Shenzhen has attracted investment from nearly 300 Fortune Global 500 companies with its supreme business environment, dynamic consumer market, as well as an open and inclusive culture. Moreover, Shenzhen is doing everything in its power to provide a public platform for businesses to go global and develop overseas markets. The Commerce Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality will thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements made by the central, provincial, and municipal governments to promote high-level opening-up on all fronts and continuously enhance the appeal of "bringing in" and the competitiveness of "going out". Mr.Jeff Colyer, former Governor of Kansas, mentioned in his speech that Chinese, to the surprise of many, has become the third most spoken language in Kansas. He expressed his confidence in the broad prospects for cooperation between China and the United States in areas such as industrial development and economic trade. He also regarded the event as a platform to help businesses on both sides strengthen cooperation and complement their respective advantages. Ms. Jie Li, Executive Director of China General Chamber of Commerce USA - Chicago, shared insights into industrial development in the Midwestern United States and cooperation mechanisms between Chicago and Chinese cities. She also unveiled the investment guide for the Midwestern United States and the cooperation needs of delegation members to China.
During the conference, the Futian District Investment Promotion and Enterprise Service Center gave a keynote presentation on issues regarding the comprehensive business environment, development of key industries, and supporting policies in the district. The Office of Foreign Commercial Service at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou shared facts about the operation mechanism of the SelectUSA Summit, as well as the business environment and industrial policies in the United States. They expressed their commitment to facilitating investment cooperation among businesses in China and the United States. The representative of Indiana in China elaborated on the state's abundant resources and investment opportunities. During the information-sharing session, Beijing Zhonglun W&D (Shenzhen) Law Firm talked about legal practices related to investment in the United States. The firm also reminded enterprises going global to strengthen intellectual property protection, enhance information and data security, as well as remain vigilant about risks related to M&A reviews by foreign investors. After introducing the investment environment and business opportunities in Mexico, Colliers International expressed its willingness to offer guidance and reference for Shenzhen-based enterprises seeking to expand into the Mexican market.
According to the head of the North American Representative Office of Shenzhen, businesses in Shenzhen and North America have maintained a positive momentum in such areas as economic and trade cooperation and technical exchanges in recent years. This event will help deepen mutual understanding and trust between businesses of the two sides and accelerate the development of new hubs for Shenzhen-North America innovation and cooperation.