Page 5 - The South China Business Journal

E DITOR'S NOTE

Dear Members,

Greetings,
If you have not invested in Huangpu District, place prior. Perhaps his most inciteful opinion
you really need to take a look at this month’s was when he highlighted the importance
SCBJ cover story Why Invest in Huangpu District, of foreigners coming to China in order to
Guangzhou: A Premier Global Business and understand the way of life in-person, as
Lifestyle Hub. Huangpu District is home to the opposed to what they hear online, and
Guangzhou Development District (GDD). The expressed great respect for China's recent
area is quickly becoming one of China's most economic advancements. You can read more
dynamic investment destinations, combining on page 19.
cutting-edge innovation, and transparent
governance, and exceptional livability. With Meanwhile, China and the US have hit a
over 200 Fortune 500 companies operating pause button on much the proposed tari s
within GDD alone, Huangpu o ers unparalleled and counter-tari s from both countries by
opportunities for businesses, investors, and extending the temporary suspension of
families. The district has a strong focus on a portion of the previously implemented
international exchange and cooperation, with tari s for another 90 days. This extension
economic and trade relations established with involves both the United States and China
Dr. Harley Seyedin
Winner of the 2017 Oslo Business over 100 countries and regions. It's also a hub continuing to suspend 24 percentage points of
for Peace Award for multinational companies, with over 2,300 additional tari s on each other's goods, while
(Along with Elon Musk, Durren settling there including over 200 Fortune 500 maintaining the remaining 10 percent rate.
Shahnaz and Murad AI-Katib)
Awarded by an Award Committee companies. In 2024, the district launched a Additionally, China is expected to maintain or
Consisting of Nobel Laureates in pilot plan for "zero rent" to attract investment adopt measures to address previous non-tari
Peace and Economics and support its modern industrial system. It's countermeasures against the US. This o ers
Among few individuals in also focusing on the low-altitude economy and potential bene ts to American businesses in
235 years to be awarded the
Thomas Jefferson initiated Peace arti cial intelligence, aiming for a trillion-yuan South China, including:
through Commerce Medal by market. This governance model has helped GDD
the US Government rank #1 among China's national development Reduced Costs: The suspension of tari s may
Visiting Professor, Jinan University zones for business environment. We go deep lower costs for businesses engaged in import
President, Allelon Energy Partners into the details this month on page 9. and export with the U.S.
Chairman and President,
American Chamber of Commerce
in South China While we are on the subject, you may want to Greater Stability: The 90-day extension
Vice Chair, American Chambers of start making plans to attend The Guangzhou provides some predictability for businesses in
Commerce in Asia Pacific (AAP) Development District Intelligent Manufacturing a complex trade environment.
Industry Development Summit on September
10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Continued Dialogue: Ongoing dialogue
Guangzhou -Science City. The organization between the two sides o ers hope for future
is narrowly focused on advancing intelligent progress in resolving trade issues.
manufacturing in South China. The event will
feature international pavilions showcasing However, it is important to note that
cutting-edge technologies and a conference tari s remain higher than before the trade
program with global perspectives on tensions began, and a long-term resolution
digitalization, robotics, AI, and large language is still uncertain. For example, broader issues
models in manufacturing. The event is expected and market access also require continued
to attract manufacturers from Guangdong negotiation. While the statement provides a
province, the Greater Bay Area, and the wider temporary bene t to our members, businesses
national market, supporting China’s broader should remain aware that, as Yogi Berra once
e orts to advance its high-tech manufacturing famously said, “It’s not over until it’s over.” Let’s
capabilities. Chinese and English simultaneous say at this time we are hoping for the best, but
interpretation will be provided on site, it’s free prepared for the worst.
of charge, and members have priority.
Finally, the 25th China International Fair for
We were quite proud to host a reside chat Investment & Trade (CIFIT) is scheduled to be
with Professor Lawrence Lessig at the LN held from September 8 to 11. CIFIT is designed
Garden Hotel in early July. Professor Lessig is the to connect investors and businesses from
Roy L. Furman Professor of Law and Leadership over 100 countries and regions, including
at Harvard Law School, and director of the government o cials, investment promotion
Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard agencies, and multinational corporations.
University. He has written extensively on AmCham South China will once again lead a
cultures and international interests. Professor delegation to the event in Xiamen this year. We
Lessig spoke on the changed economic and have a 21-year track record of achievements
political climate in the wake of the new US and the signi cant business successes its
administration. He voiced his opinions at the members have realized at CIFIT over the years.
reside chat, explaining that the new policies By signi cant, we are talking about billions and
implemented shift the world dynamics in billions of dollar commitments over the years.
1 AMCHAM SOUTH CHINA commerce, trade, and policy that had been in We look forward to seeing you there.