Michigan trade group spurs China-US ties

The Michigan US-China Exchange Center, established early this year, has had numerous successes in promoting business and cultural exchanges between the two countries

The Michigan US-China Exchange Center, which was established in early 2017 to promote the Midwestern state to Chinese investors and increase collaboration between US and Chinese business communities, has served as an important bridge between the two sides in recent months.

In June, the non-profit trade industry group helped to bring a China-based company to Michigan. Zhejiang Sanhua Automotive Component Co Ltd opened its North American automotive tech center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The company manufactures components for commercial and residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning and refrigeration industries.

In September, the center helped Woodcock Legacy organize the celebration of the 45th anniversary of Ping-Pong diplomacy between China and the US, with a series of exchange events and a photo exhibition.

In October, the center hosted a delegation from the Beijing Tourism Development Commission to carry out a tourism promotion event at the Oakland County executive office conference center in Waterford, Michigan.

On Nov 8, the Exchange Center hosted a delegation from the China Wuxi Die and Mould Trade Association in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The two sides signed a cooperation agreement to better promote cross-border investment and trade.

During the reception, local business owners, executives and government officials from China, as well as local representatives from the automotive and manufacturing industries and executives from related business sectors, exchanged opinions on cross-border business.

Jerry Xu, founder and president of the Michigan US-China Exchange Center and former president of the Detroit Chinese Business Association, said he started the organization to meet a great demand in the Detroit metropolitan area and state of Michigan

"Given my 15 years of experience, knowledge and passion of promoting cross-border opportunities between Michigan and China, I set a goal to help grow our local economy and help businesses and organizations here expand into China market," Xu said. "We know a large number of potential collaboration partners, and our database is always growing."

Xu said the center is focusing on drawing Chinese businesses and investment to Michigan, especially in the Detroit metropolitan area, as well as highlighting tourism and educational opportunities in the state.

"We will focus on a much broader reach of opportunities, including B2B, cross border collaborations, tourism, automotive, manufacturing, education, technology, connected and autonomous vehicles, and new materials," he said.

The Exchange Center plans to host 10 to 12 events a year, mostly in the metropolitan Detroit area, as well as lead business and educational trips to the China.

Xu said that with China and the US having more exchanges, Michigan itself has become more important because the state is home to nearly 300 Chinese-owned companies that have contributed more than $4 billion in foreign direct investment.

Because Detroit is the capital of the automotive industry, and the automotive industry has become one of the pillar industries in China, executives and technicians from the industry have had many exchanges. "The opportunities for cooperation and exchange are extensive," Xu said.

The University of Michigan was one of the first US universities to accept Chinese students. The state also has Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Many famous Chinese scholars have studied in Michigan, and the number of Chinese students studying in the state continually increases.

Called "The Great Lakes State" because it touches four of the Great Lakes - Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan - and with more than 11,000 inland lakes, almost half of the state is composed of water.

More Chinese tourists are visiting the state, especially to experience its natural landscape, and more cultural exchanges with China are occurring. In July, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra was on tour in China and was warmly greeted by Chinese audiences.

Xu said that even though Michigan is not as famous as Los Angeles or New York in the minds of the vast majority of Chinese, the state embodies the slogan "Pure Michigan".

"It has so many clear lakes, beautiful mountains, and, of course, genuine people," he said.

"We are more than happy to serve as a platform to make contributions to China-US exchanges," he said. "We have a great number of plans next year. We will be hosting more Chinese investment and business delegations to find opportunities in Michigan."

xiaohong@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily USA 11/17/2017 page19)