Kristi Heim: Aiming to make a difference

The new president of a China-US relations group is looking for growth

As executive director of Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC), Kristi Heim joined the welcoming committee of government officials and corporate CEOs led by Gov Jay Inslee to greet Chinese President Xi when he arrived in Seattle on the start his US state visit.

She was also on hand for all of the historical highlights of Xi's visit, such as the only policy speech of the trip, which took place at a dinner banquet in Seattle where dignitaries such as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger were in attendance.

"I think President Xi's visit to Seattle was a remarkable success," said Heim. "It demonstrated that we have strong leadership and a smart approach to building lasting relations with China that can serve as a model for the country as a whole ."

In December, Heim was promoted to WSCRC president.

"We're excited to have Kristi take on leadership of the council," said Michael Rawding, the council's board chairman, in a statement. "Her knowledge of China and Washington state, and entrepreneurial ideas to build economic and cultural relations between the two, are the perfect combination to guide the council into the future."

"It's really a privilege to serve the council," Heim said. "I have been inspired by its history and motivated to ensure that it will thrive long into the future and involve the next generation. Secondly, I saw an opportunity to make a positive difference in relations with China by leading an organization that represents the state with the most trade and the best model for engagement."

The council is the oldest non-governmental statewide trade association in the US that focuses on China. More than 100 companies are members.

China is Washington state's largest trading partner in terms of imports and exports, buying $14.5 billion of Washington products (mostly airplanes) in 2012, and shipping $8.5 billion in Chinese products through and to Washington, according to figures from the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research.

"I would like to build a strong channel for their positive and productive engagement," Heim said, "not only in business, but also in areas like education, culture, health and scientific research. I would like to help promote Washington state as the best place for Chinese investors and talented people with great ideas. Most importantly, I hope to help people on both sides find ways to work together to solve common problems."

Before joining WSCRC, Kristi had been connected to China for many years, as an award-winning journalist writing for the Seattle Times, the Asian Wall Street Journal and the San Jose Mercury News.

Heim speaks Mandarin, has a Chinese name (Han Jing), and has been a World Affairs Fellow, a Jefferson Fellow and recipient of the Blakemore Freeman Fellowship for Advanced Asian Language Study.

She is founder and managing editor of contextChina, a news source and information platform connecting the Pacific Northwest and China.

She is also vice-president of the Asia Business Forum, whose mission is to create a forum for professionals in the Greater Seattle Area who are engaged in work related to Asia or interested in Asian economies, to share knowledge, ideas, experience and expertise.

She has worked for the University of Washington's Jackson School of International Studies, where she helped direct the Confucius Institute and other programs related to China and Asia.

"My interest in China started with my grandmother, who is half Chinese and grew up in Shanghai. She told me fascinating stories about her childhood in China in the 1920s and 1930s, and she made the most delicious wonton soup. My great grandmother was from China, too, and could hardly speak English but communicated volumes with her bear hugs," Heim said.

"I love languages, so I made progress quickly when I started studying Mandarin. And as a journalist, I knew that China's modernization would be one of the most important stories of our time."

As head of the Council, Heim travels to China two or three times a year to promote business and expand partnerships between Washington State and China.

"I have accompanied our governor on trade missions, and taken local officials and companies on various trips. I really enjoy helping them get to know China better and sharing the great qualities of our region." Heim said.

Heim has been to many cities in China and she said she was really impressed by the pristine beauty of Jiuzhaigou nature reserve which she travelled recently.

"Success for me personally means making a difference in the relationship between the US and China," Heim said.

lindadeng@chinadailyusa.com