Adaptability key for businesses amid challenges

Chinese companies operating in the United States continue to demonstrate adaptability in the face of business uncertainties and encourage greater dialogue to promote stability.

The China General Chamber of Commerce-USA, or CGCC, hosted its annual gala in New York on Thursday, bringing together around 300 senior executives, government officials and business leaders.

Held under the theme "Together We Gallop Toward the Future", the event highlighted dialogue and cooperation between the Chinese and US business communities. Founded in 2005, CGCC has grown into the largest not-for-profit organization representing Chinese and US businesses.

"Our mission has always been clear — to create value, generate economic growth and enhance cooperation between the US and Chinese business communities," said Hu Wei, chairman of the CGCC USA and president and CEO of Bank of China USA, in his remarks.

Hu said that during the ongoing trade conflicts, many companies are facing challenges, including rising costs, supply chain disruptions and increased regulatory complexity in cross-border commerce. He said these businesses have continued to demonstrate strong adaptability under these uncertainties, and he is also calling for greater dialogue between China and the US.

"We sincerely hope that policymakers of both sides will listen carefully to the words of Chinese communities and inject new momentum into mutually beneficial cooperation between our two parties," Hu said. "I have witnessed firsthand the power of dialogue and engagement … while headlines may focus on disagreements, real progress is made through a steady relationship and is in action."

Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng, also the keynote speaker of the gala, said: "No matter how the external environment changes, China's strategic choice to pursue high-quality development and high-standard opening up will not change."

An ever-developing, increasingly open China will bring more opportunities to the world. US companies have occupied the largest exhibition area at the China International Import Expo and led overseas participation at the China International Supply Chain Expo over the past two years, he added.

Xie also introduced industrial clusters in strategic emerging fields such as new energy, new materials, aviation and aerospace, and the low-altitude economy, which will create multi-trillion-yuan or even larger markets.

Pilot programs

"We will also expand pilot programs to open up value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, wholly foreign-owned hospitals and other service industries. Chinese and American businesses can fully tap the potential for cooperation in these areas and build more practical partnerships. Cooperation should be a two-way street, benefiting both sides," Xie urged the Americans to create an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in the US, providing visa and border entry facilitation.

Among the CGCC partners, Vornado Realty Trust, a real estate company with long-standing partnerships with several CGCC members, has been awarded the "Outstanding Partner of the Year".

"These relationships have been marked by professionalism, mutual respect and confidence, and a shared commitment to long-term success," said Michael Franco, president and chief financial officer of Vornado Realty Trust.

Franco also announced that Pop Mart, a Chinese pop culture brand, will open a new flagship store in Times Square in retail space operated by Vornado Realty Trust.

Pop Mart, Sany Group and Sunon Furniture LLC were named "Brands of the Year". The award recognizes companies that collectively reflect creativity, resilience and a future-driven spirit shaping today's business landscape, according to the CGCC.

"Success is not just about revenue and size. It's about delivering our values through product quality," said Xiang Fei, president of the Sany North America region. He said Chinese companies such as Sany have shown how China and the US can work together through industrial cooperation, innovation and long-term commitment.

"We remain committed to further strengthening US-China cooperation through our ongoing efforts and long-term investments, and we look forward to continuing our journey together here in the US."

mingmeili@chinadailyusa.com