Prominent American and Chinese Business Leaders and Government Officials Celebrate Lunar New Year and 15th Anniversary of CGCC
NEW YORK, NY- On Wednesday, January 8th, 2020, China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (CGCC) and CGCC Foundation, the largest non-profit organization representing Chinese investment in the United States, hosted the 2020 Lunar New Year Gala & 15th Anniversary Celebration at the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan. With the theme, “Responsibility and Appreciation,” the gala gathered over 600 of the uppermost business leaders, government officials, and representatives from the US and China to celebrate the new year and CGCC’s 15th anniversary. CUI Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, delivered keynote remarks, and CHO Tak Wong, Chairman and Founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group, attended a fireside chat during the program. Larry HOGAN, Governor of Maryland, sent a letter of congratulations.
Four awards were presented to awardees for their steadfast commitment to strengthening US-China business relationships, their unique impact on global business collaborations, and their continued support of corporate social responsibility programs that have consistently given back to local communities through job creation and economic growth. James QUINCEY, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company was honored with the “Goodwill Ambassador for China-US Exchange Award.” CHO Tak Wong, Chairman and Founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group received “The Most Influential Business Person of the Year Award.” International Vitamin Corporation and ND Paper were presented with the “Excellence in Job Creation and Economic Development Award.” In addition, 12 CGCC member companies were recognized as the “CGCC 15th Anniversary Outstanding Contribution Honorees” for their ongoing support CGCC’s mission and growth.
XU Chen, Chairman of CGCC, President and CEO of Bank of China USA, opened the program with welcome remarks. In his remarks, Mr. XU touched upon the importance of the two Gala themes, “Responsibility” and “Appreciation.” He expressed that, “While the [China-US] relationship has become ever more complex and markets face constant volatility and uncertainty, this evening is a true testament to your commitment to dialogue and the restoration of trust and bilateral cooperation.” Mr. XU went on to express his gratitude towards CGCC’s members and partners whose “resolute support has given CGCC the ability to transform itself into the largest non-profit organization representing Chinese enterprises in the US.”
Ambassador CUI opened his speech by congratulating CGCC on its milestone Anniversary. “Over the past 15 years of CGCC history, China-US relations and, in particular, our economic and trade cooperation have experienced both sound and steady growth and considerable difficulties. But no matter how the situation changes, the CGCC and its member companies are always committed to building a bridge of friendship and cooperation between Chinese and American companies and peoples.” Throughout his remarks, the ambassador emphasized that in the new year, both countries need to “respect each other and not challenge each other’s core interests” as well as be “future-oriented and work together for a better tomorrow of our planet.” “I believe that as long as we pull together, the giant ship of China-US relations will break waves, navigate out of choppy waters and sail towards better shores,” concluded Ambassador CUI.
James QUINCEY, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company was then honored with the “Goodwill Ambassador for China-US Exchange Award” for his keen discernment and strategic commitment to a constructive China-US relationship. Accepting his award via video message, Mr. QUINCEY thanked CGCC for the award and saluted the organization for its achievements in bridging business communities and people on both sides of the Pacific Ocean for the last 15 years. Mr. QUINCEY explained, “Coca-Cola is proud to be the first major American company to have returned to the Chinese mainland in 1979. Today we operate 45 bottling plants, produce 20 brands, and more than 60 beverages, and employ approximately 47,000 people throughout the country.” Mr. QUINCEY concluded his remarks by stating, “Our company is proud to be an ambassador between the US and China and we look forward to our continued support of China’s economic growth and development.” Curt FERGUSON, President of Coca-Cola Greater China, Korea and Mongolia accepted the award on behalf of Mr. QUINCEY.
CHO Tak Wong, Chairman and Founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group, received “The Most Influential Business Person of the Year Award” for blazing a trail in unchartered territory and leading his business to make historic contributions to the local community. During a fireside chat with Steven CHAPMAN, Member of the CGCC Strategic Advisory Steering Committee and Group Vice President - China and Russia at Cummins Inc. In explaining his personal business philosophy which has guided him throughout the creation and sustaining of Fuyao Glass America, Mr. CHO explained that the idea of “ chu xin”(初心) is when you want to do something, when you have a goal or a big vision, you have passion to get it done.” With this guiding philosophy, Mr. CHO explained that since the founding of Fuyao 43 years ago, his biggest advantage is never forgetting his original intentions and taking everything seriously. Mr. CHO suggested that Chinese companies that wish to invest in the United States must learn the American law and culture beforehand, in order to be ready and confident when making decisions.
Michael ROBERTS, President and CEO of HSBC USA opened the second half of the evening program expressing his thanks to CGCC for its longtime support. “our partnership goes back at least 10 years with the chamber and we greatly appreciate the value that the organization creates both to our organization HSBC, as well as to all of our clients,” said Mr. ROBERTS.
Ambassador HUANG Ping, the Consul General of China's Consulate General in New York presented the “Excellence in Job Creation and Economic Development Award” to International Vitamin Corporation and ND Paper whose investments in the US have created high-quality jobs and supported economic growth in local communities. Steven DAI, Vice Chairman of CGCC , President and CEO of International Vitamin Corporation and Ming Chung LIU, Group Deputy Chairman & CEO of ND Paper accepted the awards on behalf of their companies respectively.
The program ended with the recognition of 12 organizations as the “CGCC 15th Anniversary Outstanding Contribution Honorees” for the vital role each has played in the success and growth of CGCC. The organizations included: Bank of China USA; China Construction America; Ernst & Young; Related Companies; Hainan Airlines; CBRE; SL Green Realty Corp.; Starr Insurance Companies; HSBC Bank (USA); ICBC U.S. Region; China Telecom (Americas) Corporation; DeHeng Chen LLC (CGCC General Counsel).
The gala was emceed by the Principal Anchor of CGTN-America, five-time Emmy Award winner Mike WALTER.
For more information about the awards and awardees, please visit: https://www.cgccusa.org/en/cgcc-announces-awardees-ahead-of-2020-lunar-new-year-gala/
Special thanks: Bank of China USA, HSBC Bank (USA), Ernst & YoungStarr Insurance Companies, CBRE, The Coca-Cola Company China, China Construction America, Hainan Airlines,State Grid US Representative Office, China Telecom (Americas) Corporation, China Mobile International (USA) Inc, Agricultural Bank of China New York Branch, Chubb Group, SCG America Group Inc., Fosun International Limited, Citigroup, Inc., J.P. Morgan, Related Companies, SL Green Realty Corp.,Gemdale USA Corporation,The Moinian Group, Brooklyn Nets, ICBC U.S. Region, Jian Nan Chun, Hongkun USA Real Estate Development LLC, Hongdou New York Inc.,China Unicom Americas, China Merchants Bank New York Branch, China Construction Bank New York Branch, Bank of Communications New York Branch, Hikvision USA Inc., CICC US Securities, Inc.,Eccom Network (USA), Inc, New York Representative Office, China Investment Corporation,Greenland USA,China Southern Airlines Company Limited New York Office,Waitex Group of Companies, Delta Air Lines, Inc.,Dorsey & Whitney LLP, International Vitamin Corporation, Loop Capital, Lennar International,Vanke US, Golden State Warriors, Haitong International Securities (USA) Inc., Cheerland Investment Group, Aimbridge Hospitality, ND PAPER LLC,Genworth Financial, DeHeng Chen LLC ,CRSC (USA) Inc., Liepin North America,Ninestar Corporation,China Communications Construction (USA) Inc,Cathay General Bancorp,China Unionpay (USA) LLC,Minmetals USA Inc.,Anbang International,Fuyao Group North America, X+Q,Tiffany & Co.,Lao Feng Xiang, Montblanc, Deloitte, Sansheng Investment, China-U.S. SkyClub, US China Youth Education Solutions Foundation, Prosek, Marks Paneth LLP
Media Contact: Sherry Yuan Qu
646-928-5122
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About CGCC:
Founded in 2005, the China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (“CGCC”) has been recognized as the largest and most influential non-profit organization representing Chinese enterprises in the U.S. Its membership consists of more than 1,500 Chinese and U.S. companies, 54 of which are ranked on the 2019 Fortune Global 500. CGCC’s mission is to create value, generate economic growth, and enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese business communities. CGCC conducts extensive research and provides a broad range of programs, services, and resources to its members and key stakeholders in an effort to foster mutual understanding, trust, and engagement between China and the U.S. As of 2018, CGCC’s Chinese member companies have cumulatively invested over $120 billion, employ more than 200,000 people, and support over one million jobs throughout the United States.
CGCC is a national organization and includes CGCC-New York (CGCCUSA-HQ), CGCC-Chicago, CGCC-Houston, CGCC-Los Angeles, CGCC-San Francisco, and CGCC-Washington D.C.
About CGCC Foundation:
Established in 2014, CGCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The mission of CGCC Foundation is to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and China through research, public charity and engagement in economic, cultural and social exchanges.
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