Updated: 16:09, Jun 24,2008

China CEO Forum: US-China Investment, Trade and Clean Energy was held in New York City on Thursday June 19 where Chinese CEO’s met with over 100 participants to discuss issue of trade and investment in the US including clean energy, regulations, and intellectual property.

Organized by China Invests in America LLC sponsored by Howery, LLP., the forum featured speakers list included David Bohigian, Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Madam Ye Haiyan, Mayor of Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, Madam Yao, Deputy President of China Ministry of Commerce Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics (CCCME), David Warren CFO NASDAQ OMX., Mr. Wu-Sian Chen, President and CEO of General Protecht Group, Inc. and many other trade and investment experts. Harry Eagens, Managing Director of Genesis Securities, LLC contributed his advice, network and resources for the event.

Dr. Ye-Fan Wang Glavin, President of China Invests in America, LLC (CIIA) opened the forum and welcomed the guests. She pointed to the U.S. efforts to attract more Chinese investors to its market in order to expand consumer choices, drive growth and create jobs. She noted that, at the same time, Chinese businessmen are seeking more opportunities in the U.S. market to expand their sales channels and to compete globally. This forum, she noted, was organized to provide a platform for both sides to communicate trade ideas and do business.

Mr. Seth Pinsky, representing New York City Mayor Bloomberg, greeted the delegation and reinforced the Mayor’s commitment in partnering with China in bilateral trade and investment.

Mr. David Bohigian, Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce provided an update on the US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, including 10 year US-China collaboration framework for energy and the environment, the bi-lateral investment in the mutual economic interests of both nations, the financial sector reform to address policy issues arising out of recent market turmoil, and the trade and competitiveness in taking joint commitments in Doha round, transportation forum, transparency and intellectual property rights.

Secretary Bohigian assured the Chinese CEOs that the U.S. is indeed open to Chinese investment, and is in fact the world's most open market for foreign investment. The Invests in America initiative under his responsibility has been created to promote foreign direct investment in the United States and has been working closely with Dr. Glavin of China Invests in America (CIIA) to support and promote Chinese investment to the US. The third US-China Energy Conference will be held September 1-5 this year in China; Mr. Bohigan encouraged Chinese business participation.

Madam Yao, Deputy President of CCCME, discussed the importance of bilateral economic relations to the prosperity of the United States, China, and the global economy. She pointed out that more and more Chinese companies are capable, willing and ready to go global. She stressed that Chinese investment in the US not only supports US economic development and fosters Chinese business for world market expansion, but also helps reduce trade deficits.

Madam Mayor Ye Haiyan introduced Wenling City and its economic development directions. Wenling City is rated among the top 100 counties for competitiveness and innovation in China. Wenling is open for the bi-lateral trade and investment. With its current industrial profile, sufficient resources and Jiangxia Power Station (rated first in Asia, the 3rd world in tidal power), Wenling is ready to advance it industry development, including the clean energy with close collaboration with US businesses and investors.

Experts including Theresa M. Gillis, of Howrey LLP, Mike Zimmer of Thompson Hine LLP, and Richard Herman of Herman Associates discussed key topics in clean energy, intellectual property and immigration.

At the conclusion, CIIA signed collaboration intents with CCCME and Wenling City in the areas of investment in America and clean energy witnessed by Assistant Secretary Bohigan.

NASDAQ hosted the afternoon discussion and welcomed by David Warren CFO NASDAQ OMX. Mr. Warren reviewed NASDAQ services and NASDAQ’s global strategies. He pointed out that China is an important strategic market for NASDAQ and is committed to work collaboratively to support Chinese business expansion. Other NASDAQ speakers included Jeff Singer, SVP and Head of International and Bryan Hyndman, SVP of Transaction Services. In addition key executives from various leading Wall Street companies discussed the US economic forecast, investment trends and trading opportunities. Two of these speakers are Peter Doyle, President and CEO of Kinetics Asset Management, Inc. and Michael Checkan, President of Asset Strategies International, Inc.

The CEO and President, General Protecht Group, Inc. Mr. Wu-Sian Chen discussed an intellectual property lawsuit unsuccessfully filed against his company by a competitor trying to protect its market. He reminded his Chinese colleagues of the need to bring in legal assistance early and proactively. Jeannine Yoo Sano, Partner, Howrey LLP and incoming Chair of American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law Section Patent Litigation Committee, pointed out that intellectual property could be used or misused by all parties for protection. She agreed with Mr. Chen position and emphasized the importance of seeking legal advice based on competence and familiarity with US laws.

The final event of the day was a Tour of the NYSE from the Balcony overlooking the main NYSE Trading Floor. It was most appropriate that HSBC rang the closing bell for the NYSE on Thursday 6/19/08.

At the conclusion, Dr. Ye-Fan Wang Glavin pointed out that there are abundant opportunities exist, along with issues of policy, marketing, financing, legal, management and operation that need to be deliberately addressed. The collaboration of CIIA with CCCME and Wenling City and direct dialogues such as today’s Forum is the beginning of connecting people, opportunities, information and resources in offering practical advice and building success. With the estimate of over 2,000 direct dialogues and 6 potential collaborative intents generated from this Forum, the follow up work is now essential for the realization of these opportunities building on the platform we have established today.
Howrey LLP, the lead sponsor for this event, is a leading global law firm focused on antitrust, global litigation and intellectual property law. Other support and participating organizations include New York City Economic Development Corp., The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.; Genesis Securities, LLC; SOGOTRADE®.com; Kinetics Asset Management, Inc.; NESQAC; Thomson Hines, LLP; Richard Herman & Associates; Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc.; and Asset Strategies International, Inc. (ASI).

Contact stay4477@hotmail.com (China) veronica.xu@chinainvestsinamerica.com (USA)