New Era, New Development, New opportunity 新时代、新发展、新机遇

–李强民总领事在党的十九大和特朗普总统访华午餐宣介会的演讲稿

（亚特兰大，2017年12月8日）

女士们，先生们，

欢迎大家出席今天的午餐会，我很高兴向大家介绍近期两件具有世界影响且密切相关的大事，一是中国共产党举行第十九次全国代表大会，二是特朗普总统对华进行首次国事访问。最后我会就这两件大事给美南地区带来的机遇谈谈看法。

一、十九大开启中国新时代

10月18日至24日，中国共产党第十九次全国代表大会在北京召开。来自134个国家的1000多名记者对大会进行报道。特朗普总统也在大会闭幕之际第一时间打电话向习主席表示祝贺。华盛顿邮报等美国主流媒体称，中共十九大为世界所瞩目，这将是未来5年全世界最重要的政治大事之一，不仅对中国至关重要，也将对世界产生重要影响。

人们不禁要问，为什么一个国家一个政党的会议如此重要（why),会议取得了什么成果(what)，中国将走向何方（where),将如何同世界互动（how)。

此次会议的重要性不言而喻：

这是世界上最大的发展中国家（13亿多人口），党员人数最多的执政党（8900万党员）的五年一次的全国代表大会。

这是中国快速发展背景下的一次重要大会。2016年中国国内生产总值占世界的份额近15%，比1978年提高13%。过去5年，中国作为世界第二大经济体，经济年均增长超过7％，对世界经济增长的贡献率超过30%，位居世界首位。5年来5000多万人口得以脱贫，人民对未来美好生活充满更多期待。科技创新成就举世瞩目，创新成为发展新引擎。

过去5年，我每年至少回国一次，每次回去都惊讶于身边发生的巨大变化。比如到饭馆吃饭，服务员首先问我是用微信还是支付宝。街上每个人都用智能手机付所有费用，甚至是菜市场和街头小摊。这就是人们经常说的 “新四大发明”之一支付宝，另外三个是高铁、网购和共享单车。

高铁—中国建设完成了2.2万公里（1.4万英里）的高铁，为世界最长的高铁网。从北京到上海乘高铁只需4.5小时,快速、舒适、不受天气影响。

网购—中国互联网用户有7.3亿，是世界上最大、发展最迅速的电子商务市场。

共享单车—与传统的共享单车不同，中国的共享单车不需要车站，方便人们绿色、便捷出行。

这是中国同世界高度融合、加速互动背景下的一次重要大会。

中国特色大国外交内涵不断丰富，从APEC北京峰会、G20杭州峰会、“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛到金砖国家领导人厦门峰会，中国智慧和中国方案获得国际认可。

如何看待中共十九大所取得的成果？中国下步发展方略,将如何同世界互动?

确立了中国新的发展蓝图。

十九大制定了中国未来发展的时间表和路线图。对建党一百年时的奋斗目标做了明确部署，也对新中国成立一百年时的奋斗目标进行了详细规划，即从现在到2020年全面建成小康社会；从2020年到2035年，基本实现社会主义现代化；从2035年到本世纪中叶，把中国建成富强民主文明和谐美丽的社会主义现代化强国。

发展新蓝图，需要新思想。十九大确立了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，并将长期坚持。这一思想深化了中国共产党人对人类社会发展进步的规律性认识，回答了怎么坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的时代课题。

新思想解决新问题。中国社会主要矛盾已经转化为人民日益增长的美好生活需要和不平衡不充分的发展之间的矛盾。中国共产党将顺应人民的新期待，更多更好满足人民各方面日益增长的需要，不断增强人民获得感、幸福感、安全感，更好推动人的发展、社会全面进展。

    提出发展新方略。

经济：由高速增长阶段转为高质量发展阶段。中国将继续深化供给侧结构性改革，显著增强经济质量优势。这包括推动互联网、大数据、人工智能和实体经济深度融合，包括促进中国产业迈向全球价值链中高端，包括激发和保护企业家精神，鼓励更多社会主体创新创业，加快建设创新型国家等等。

改善民生：“以人民为中心”是贯穿十九大报告始终的一个基本理念。习近平总书记强调要“抓住人民最关心最直接最现实的利益问题”。最优先的事情是发展教育，让每个孩子都能享有公平而有质量的教育。就业是最大的民生，要提高就业质量和人民收入水平，缩小收入分配差距。打赢脱贫攻坚战，用习总书记的话是”全面建成小康社会，一个不能少；共同富裕路上，一个不能掉队。”

生态文明：中国将继续推进绿色发展，着力解决突出环境问题，加大生态系统保护力度，改革生态环境监管体制。

国际关系：我们对外开放的大门不会关闭，只会越开越大；对外开放的质量和水平会不断提高，我们还将进一步放宽市场准入，保护外商投资合法权益，所有企业一视同仁，“买卖不成仁义在”。

中国将坚持走和平发展道路。秉持共商共建共享的全球治理观，积极参与全球治理体系改革和建设。无论处于何种发展水平，中国都不会称霸或扩张。中国始终做世界和平的建设者、全球发展的贡献者、国际秩序的维护者。

中国将致力于推动建设新型国际关系，推动构建人类命运共同体。建设新型国际关系就是要走出一条国与国交往的新路，内涵是“相互尊重，公平正义，合作共赢”。人类命运共同体的内涵就是建设“持久和平、普遍安全、共同繁荣、开放包容、清洁美丽”的世界。

一句话，中共十九大宣示中国进入了中国特色社会主义新时代。

二、特朗普总统对华国事访问和中美关系

39年前，1978年12月，中国共产党召开十一届三中全会，确立了改革开放的基本国策。1个多月后，中国领导人邓小平访美，中美关系开启了崭新篇章。中共十九大后不到一个月，特朗普总统对华进行首次国事访问。他是十九大之后习主席接待的第一位外国元首。

两国相交，元首外交至关重要。中美双方均高度重视习近平主席和特朗普总统的北京会晤。特朗普总统对华“国事访问+”的确实至名归。

（一）规格“+”：今年4月习近平主席访问海湖庄园时，特朗普总统夫妇对习近平主席夫妇予以热情周到和高规格的接待。中国是礼仪之邦，讲究礼尚往来。接待特朗普总统访华，中方特别进行了几项特殊安排：习近平主席夫妇全程陪同特朗普夫妇游览故宫并在故宫举行私人晚宴。中共中央政治局委员、国务委员杨洁篪专门赴机场迎接，也是一项“重量级”安排。

（二）文化“+”：有着600多年历史的故宫是中国历史文化的窗口。两国元首夫妇在故宫宝蕴楼茶叙，在恢宏庄重的太和殿广场合影，观看文物修复技艺展示和珍品文物展，欣赏京剧表演。习近平主席沿途向特朗普总统介绍故宫建筑，讲述中国历史。

（三）友谊“+”：在故宫茶叙时，特朗普总统向习主席夫妇展示了他的外孙女阿拉贝拉演唱中文歌曲、背诵中国古诗的视频，非常温馨。这个视频已被中国网友刷屏，阿拉贝拉成为中美友谊的小使者。特朗普在推特上多次感谢习主席的盛情接待，称自己与夫人梅拉尼娅都不会忘记。

（四）合作“+”：两国元首进行大小范围会谈，共同会见记者，共同参加中美企业家大会闭幕式并见证签署协议。两国领导人就新时代中美关系发展达成多方面共识，取得重要丰硕成果：

进一步发挥元首外交对中美关系的战略引领。两国元首认为，中美在维护世界和平稳定繁荣方面拥有广泛共同利益和重要责任，强调中美关系的走向具有重要全球影响。两国要合作应对重大国际、地区问题和全球性挑战。这不仅符合两国人民根本利益，也是国际社会普遍期待。

继续充分用好四个对话机制。四个高级别对话机制对两国关系发展具有重要支撑作用。外交安全领域事关中美关系总体发展和两国战略互信水平。经贸合作是中美关系的压舱石和稳定器。人文交流是事关中美关系长远发展的基础。执法及网络安全事关两国人民的安全感和幸福感。双方应共同努力用好对话机制，取得更大成果。

做大中美经济合作蛋糕。特朗普总统访华期间，两国签署的商业合同和双向投资协议总金额超过2500亿美元，相当于去年中美双边贸易总额5200多亿美元的近一半。涉及能源、IT、农业、汽车、航空、电气、制造业等领域。这即创造了中美经贸合作的纪录，也刷新了世界经贸合作史上的纪录。这个超级大单表明双方共同利益大于分歧，足以证明中美经贸合作具有广泛的基础和广阔的前景。

加强金融合作。中方将按照自己扩大开放的时间表和路线图，大幅放宽金融业的市场准入。举个例子，将中资金融机构外国投资比例限制放宽至51%，三年后，投资比例将不受限制。

两国元首还就教育、科技、卫生等领域务实合作达成一系列共识，就朝鲜半岛核、南海、反恐等重大国际和地区及全球性问题交流看法，同意共同推动有关问题的妥善解决，促进世界和地区的和平与稳定。

太平洋足够大，容得下中美两国。相信中美两国现在比任何时候都有更好的机遇加强双边关系。面向未来，合作是唯一的正确选择，共赢才能通向更好的明天。

三、十九大和特朗普访华给美南地区带来的机遇

一个开放繁荣的中国，一个健康稳定的中美关系，无疑是最大的利好，将给美南地区带来新的发展机遇。机会总是留给有准备的人。先来看看我们是否做好了准备。

目前在整个美南，中国企业投资已超过210亿美元。据美国美中关系全国委员会与荣鼎集团前不久联合发布的报告显示，自2000年以来120家中资企业在佐治亚投资16亿美元，提供就业岗位4100个。

双方贸易合作密切。再以佐治亚州为例。2006至2016年间，佐州向中国的出口贸易增长迅速，其中货物出口增长了107%，服务出口增长了383%，出口总额达到39亿美元。根据美中贸易全国委员会的计算，2015年佐州向中国的出口支持了美方2.6万多个工作。各州服务产品向中国出口增长最快的是旅游和教育。这也从数据上有力说明了中国与美南地区人文交流日益频繁。我还有更多的实例。比如中国工商银行上个月在休斯敦新开了分行。美国三角洲航空公司将于明年7月开通亚特兰大至上海的直航。

许多地方高层交往正在进行。达拉斯市长、奥斯汀市长和阿肯色州长已经访华，休斯敦市长特纳正在访华。他们访华目的不约而同，就是扩大合作，吸引投资。尤其是阿肯色州长哈钦森，这已经是他第三次访华。他亲口对我说，只要他在任，他就会每年都访华一次。他的访问得到了很好的回报，近两年数家中国企业在阿州投资超过14亿美元，创造1500多个就业机会。

很多企业也做好了准备。大家注意到了，这次随特朗普总统访华的29家美国企业当中，至少有3家来自美南，主要是能源公司。

在座的可口可乐和UPS速递公司虽然没有随团访华，但他们已经进入了中国市场。可口可乐在中国无人不晓、无处不在，1979年就进入中国市场，与中美建交是同步的，也是中国改革开放的标签。Goltzman先生（在座的可口可乐副总裁），是否算得清可口可乐在中国赚了多少钱。利润无疑是可观的，但这是可口可乐领导者的商业远见所得。Terrell女士（在座的UPS副总裁），我了解到UPS公司在1988年就开辟了中国市场，目前每周有200次货航往来于中国。你们还于今年9月同中国的物流领军企业顺风公司建立了合资公司。你们是强强联合，各取所需。

许多中方公司都在积极探索美国市场。上个月，微信和支付宝在休斯敦中国城举办推介会。这两种中国流行的移动支付方式一旦在美南地区落地，必将吸引更多的中国游客前来旅游和购物。

我认为，机遇就在于美南有优势、中方有需求、中美元首会晤重点关注的领域：

能源（清洁能源）：中方有望成为美国最大的LNG买家。此次随特朗普总统访华的29家企业中，有10家是能源领域或与能源相关的企业。我们期待更多企业参与其中。中国正在大力发展绿色经济，中方市场需求巨大，不仅是传统能源，清洁能源如太阳能、风能合作也大有潜力。

医疗：南部各州很多城市的医学水平和管理能力都是世界一流，比如休斯敦、亚特兰大的医疗机构都很先进。中方亟待学习国际先进医学技术、管理和服务。得州医学中心等美国医疗机构的成功模式，已经引起中国很多城市、企业家和专家学者的关注和研究。双方合作今后可向更深更广的方向发展。

创新：美国创新全球第一。中美（休斯敦）创新与投资对接大会已形成每年一次的机制，为中美两国微小企业、初创企业提供了稳定的创新合作平台。双方创新合作前景广阔。

农业：美南地区农业高度发达。佐治亚桃子、佛罗里达脐橙、得州牛肉、阿肯色稻米、都享誉世界。从某些州出口的美国牛肉已经在中国人的餐桌。佐州等美南各州的农场主们要赶快行动起来。

服务业：我刚才提到服务贸易增长迅速，包括教育、旅游、物流等领域的合作。中国留学生在美南高校近6万人。NBA、超级碗等美国体育比赛风靡中国。旅游和教育在2016年佐州对华服务出口中排名前三。中国的物流服务市场需求近年增长迅猛。佐州同中国的服务业合作前景广阔。

最后，我要引用习主席的一句话，即中美关系面临的挑战是有限的，发展的潜力是无限的。我希望和美南各界朋友携手努力，共同谱写中国和美南关系发展的新篇章，为这个伟大的美好时代、为中美两国的美好未来作出新的贡献。

(Atlanta, Dec. 8, 2017)

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for attending the luncheon. I am honored to brief on two recent events which are closely related and with world significance. One is the 19^th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The other is President Trump’s first state visit to China. I would also like to share with you my views about the new opportunities for the cooperation between Southern U.S. and China after the above two important events.

I．The 19^th Party Congress opens a new era in China

The 19^th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in Beijing from October 18 to 24.  More than 1000 reporters from 134 countries covered the congress. President Trump congratulated President Xi on the successful convening of the congress immediately. Washington Post and other major media published articles saying it as “one of the most important global political events of the next 5 years”, and believing “it could set the agenda not only for Beijing, but also for much of the world”.

People are asking, why could a party congress in a single country be so important? What are the outcomes of the congress? Where will China go? How China will interact with the world?

The importance of the congress is self-evident.

China is the largest developing country of the world (more than 1.3 billion). China’s ruling party- Chinese Communist Party is the largest party in the world (89 million members). The national congress of the party is held only once within five years.

The congress is held in a context of China’s rapid development. China’s GDP in 2016 accounts for nearly 15% of the world total, up to 13% than that in 1978. Over the past 5 years, as the 2nd largest economy of the world, China’s GDP growth rate averages more than 7%, contributing over 30% of global economy, ranking No. 1. Over the past 5 years, more than 50 million people have been lifted out of poverty. People are expecting more for a better life in the future. Many major breakthroughs have been made in science and innovation.

Over the past five years, I went back to China at least once each year. Each time, I was amazed by the huge changes. At restaurants, waiters would ask if I want to use WeChat or Alipay( the two smartphone payment options ) to pay. Then I saw almost everyone in major cities using smartphone to pay for everything, even in the farm market or street stalls. This is one of the reputational China’s Four Great New Inventions–the Alipay. The other three are high speed rail, E-commerce and the dockless shared bicycles.

High speed rail— China has built the world’s longest high-speed rail (HSR) network of more than 22 thousand Kilometers or 14 thousand miles. You only need take 4.5 hours from Beijing to Shanghai (a distance about from Houston to Atlanta) in a speedy and comfortable way. And no worrying about the bad weather.

E-commerce–With around 731 million Internet users, China has been the world’s largest and fastest-growing e-commerce market.

Dockless shared bikes–Compared with traditional shared bikes, dockless bikes allow users to simply pick up or park a bike on the street. A way of easy and green transportation, isn’t it?

The congress is held in a context that China and other countries are speeding up interaction and highly tied to each other.

China’s major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has made further progress. Many more Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions have become the world consensus and action, including those proposed in APEC Beijing Summit, G20 Hangzhou Summit, BRI Forum, and BRICS Xiamen Summit.

Then, What are the outcomes of the 19^thcongress? Where will China be heading?  How will China further interact with the world?

The congress has made a new blueprint for China’s future.  It has planned a new timetable and roadmap for China’s development in the coming decades. These are: Building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the 100th anniversary of the CPC in 2020; Realizing socialist modernization by 2035;

Building China into a great modern socialist country by the middle of this century, featuring prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful. At that time, the People’s Republic of China will celebrate its 100-year anniversary.

To achieve the above goal, we need a new thought. The Congress has adopted the Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era. It is the CPC’s understanding of the laws of social progress and it is the answer of the question how to adhere to and continue building socialism with Chinese features.

And the new thought will tackle the new problem.

The new contradiction facing Chinese society has evolved to be that between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life. The CPC will meet people’s new needs better, ensure people’s strong sense of fulfillment, happiness and security, and promote the full development of society.

It has set new policies for China’s development. For example,

Economy: China’s economy has been transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development. China will further supply-side structural reform, and enhance our economy’s strength in terms of quality. We will promote further integration of the internet, big data, and artificial intelligence with the real economy. We will move Chinese industries up to the medium-high end of the global value chain. We will continue to inspire and protect entrepreneurship, and encourage more entities to make innovations and start businesses, make China a country of innovators.

People’s wellbeing：People-centered is a basic philosophy through the 19^th congress report. General Secretary Xi underlined it that “we must focus on the most pressing, most immediate issues that concern the people most”. The top priority is to develop education, making sure that every child has fair access to good education. We will improve the quality of employment, raise incomes, and narrow the gaps in incomes. We will strive to win the final-stage battle against poverty. Just as General Secretary Xi said, “This is a society to be enjoyed by each and every one of us; on the march toward common prosperity, no one must be left behind.”

ECOLOGICAL PROGRESS：China will step up efforts to promote green development, solve prominent environmental problems, intensify the protection of ecosystems, and reform the environmental regulation system.

International relations: China will never close its door to the world. We will improve the quality and level of the opening-up. We will further ease market access, further protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors. All businesses registered in China will be treated equally.  China will become even more open，no matter whether other countries grant us market economy status or not.

China will keep following a path of peaceful development. China will follow the principle of upholding justice, achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, taking an active part in reforming and developing the global governance system. China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion, no matter how much development China has achieved. China will continue its efforts to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development, and uphold international order.

China will be committed to promoting a new form of international relations, featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation. Together with other countries, we will work to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world, a community with a shared future for mankind.

In a word, the 19^thNational Congress of CPC ushered in a new era with great expectations.

II. President Trump’s state visit to China and China-US relations

39 years ago, in December 1978, the CPC held its 3^rdPlenary Session of the 11^thCentral Committee, and adopted the policy of reform and opening-up. Over one month later, Chinese leader Mr. Deng Xiaoping visited the U.S., opened a new chapter of China-US diplomatic relations. 39 years past, the CPC held its 19^th Congress. Less than one month later, President Trump paid his 1^st state visit to China. He is the 1^st head of state received by President Xi after the 19^th congress.

Head-of-state diplomacy is crucial to the relationship of two countries. Both China and the U.S. paid high attention to the meeting of President Xi and President Trump in Beijing. President Trump has fully experienced his state visit-plus schedule.

i. Protocol-plus. When President Xi visited Mar-a-lago this April, President Trump and his wife offered a hospitable, considerate and high-standard reception. China is known as a nation of courtesy. We believe courtesy calls for reciprocity. 　Chinese side planned some special arrangement for President Trump. Upon his arrival, President Xi and his wife accompanied President Trump and his wife touring the Forbidden City, and hosted a private dinner for them in the Forbidden City. Another special protocol arrangement is that, State Councilor Yan Jiechi went to the airport and greeted Trump’s couple there.

ii. Culture-plus. The Forbidden City of over 600-year-age is a window of Chinese culture and history. Both heads of state and their wives had an afternoon tea in the Baoyun Building (the Building of Embodied Treasures) of the Forbidden City. They took photos at the square in front of the Taihedian (the Hall of Supreme Harmony), visited the antiques repairing hospital and the exhibition of antiques, and watched Peking Opera. President Xi introduced the palace’s architecture and Chinese history.

iii. Friendship-plus. Chatting over cups of tea in the Forbidden City, President Trump showed President Xi a video of his granddaughter Arabella, singing in Mandarin and reciting classical Chinese poetry. The video went viral on Chinese social media shortly. Arabella was already a little ambassador for China-US friendship. President Trump tweeted multiple messages of thanks to President Xi’s hospitality, saying he and his wife had unforgettable time in China.

iv. Cooperation-plus. The two heads of state held talks in private and large-group meetings. They also jointly met the press, attended the closing ceremony and agreements signing ceremony of China-US Business Exchange. They have reached a series of consensus on promoting China-US relations in the new era. Their meeting in Beijing has achieved important and fruitful outcomes:

Further the strategic guiding role of the head-of-state diplomacy in China-US relations. The two presidents believe that China and U.S. have extensive shared interests and responsibilities in upholding world peace, stability and prosperity, and the direction of China-US relations can have an important influence on the whole world. China and the U.S. should jointly meet the challenges of major global and regional issues, to serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and to meet the shared expectations of the world.

Give a full play to the four high-level dialogue mechanisms. The dialogue mechanisms are significant pillars for the bilateral relations. Diplomacy and security concern the overall development of bilateral ties and strategic mutual trust. Economic and trade cooperation is the stabilizer and ballast of China-U.S. relations. People-to-people exchanges are fundamental to the development of China-U.S. relations in the long run. Law enforcement and cyber security are vital to the security and happiness of the two peoples. Both sides should work together to achieve more under the dialogue mechanisms.

Make bigger the “cake of economic cooperation”. During President Trump visit,  companies of China and the U.S. have signed contracts or agreements worth more than $250 billion, including energy, IT, agriculture, automobiles, aviation, electronics, and manufacturing. The value is almost a half of China-US total trade value last year, which is about $520 billion. It has set a new record in the history of China-US economic cooperation as well as that of the world. This super contract demonstrates that our common interests outweigh differences, and the China-US economic cooperation and trade is broadly based and enjoys a bright prospect

Enhance financial cooperation. Chinese side will open the door, according to China’s own timetable and roadmap, widening the access to the financial industry. For example, the limit on foreign investment shares in Chinese financial institution will be raised to 51%. Three years later, there will be no limit for foreign ownership.

The two heads of state reached broad consensus on cooperation in various fields including education, science and health. They also exchanged views on major international and regional issues such as the, the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, South China Sea and anti-terrorism. They agreed to push the adequate solution of the concerned issues and promote the world peace and stability.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Based on the solid foundation laid by two heads of state, China and U.S. have every good reason to push a healthy China-U.S. relation forward. China-U.S. partnership is the most important bilateral relationship in the world today. A healthy and robust China-U.S. relationship will benefit not only the Chinese and American peoples, but also the world peace, stability and prosperity. China and the U.S. have stayed in close communication, and worked together against international financial crisis, Ebola epidemic and for many other global and regional issues.

The basis of our cooperation is mutual understanding and mutual respect. China and U.S. have different history, culture and tradition. We may do not see everything eye to eye, but we both have the right to choose a way of development that is most suitable to our national conditions. China’s socialism with Chinese characteristics is the best way we found. This way may do not suit you, but it is good for us. Both China and U.S. should try to adhere to the fact that we are different. And being different does not mean we cannot cooperate. We should try to respect each other, and try to make good use of our differences in cooperation.

The Pacific is vast enough for China and the U.S. I believe our two countries are facing opportunities to enhance bilateral ties better than ever before. As for China and the U.S., cooperation is the only right choice, and pursuing win-win outcomes can lead to a better future.

III. The opportunities facing the Southern U.S.

An open and prosperous China can benefit the world. A sound and stable China-US relationship will benefit us better. Serving as Chinese Consul General in the 8 southern states, I believe we are facing more opportunities. Yet opportunities always favor those who are well prepared.

Let’s see whether we are fully prepared.

Chinese direct investment to the 8 southern states (my consular districts) has been over $21 billion. According to the latest report jointly published by National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) and Rhodium Group, since 2000 Chinese companies have invested $1.6 billion in Georgia, 120 operations in the state now employ over 4100 workers.

The bilateral trade is booming. Take Georgia as an example again.  From 2006 to 2016, Georgia export to China grew rapidly. With a total export value of $3.9 billion in 2016, the growth rate in Georgia goods export to China reached 107%, services export to China reached 383%. According to the US-China Business Council, Georgia’s exports to China supported more than 26 thousand American jobs in 2015. The top service export products in the southern states are travel and education. This is also a proof for the frequent people-to-people exchange in the area. I have more examples. ICBC, the world No.1 Bank opened a Branch last month in Houston. Delta Airline will operate a non-stop flight from Atlanta to Shanghai on July 20 next year.

High level exchanges are frequent. The mayor of Austin, the mayor of Dallas，the governor of Arkansas have visited China.  Mayor Turner of Houston is visiting China now. Their purposes of visiting China are the same, to expand cooperation and to attract investment. Governor Hutchinson of Arkansas has visit China three times since he took office. He said to me that he will visit China every year during his term. He has already got great rewards. Several Chinese companies have invested or declared to invest more than $1.4 billion investment, with 1500 jobs in Arkansas since 2015.

Many companies are ready. Some of you may noticed that, at least 3 among the 29 companies headed to China with President Trump are from south, mainly are energy companies.

Many companies in Georgia, including Coca-cola and UPS being present here, had already went into Chinese market, although not going to China with Trump.  Coca-cola are known to everyone and being everywhere in China. You have been in China since 1979, in the same pace with China-US diplomatic relations establishment, and also a label of China’s reform and opening-up. Mr. Goltzman, can you tell us how much profit did you company make from Chinese market? It must be remarkable. It is the rewards of   Coca-cola’s business foresight. Ms. Terrell, I know that UPS has operated in China since 1988 and conducts more than 200 flights to and from its Chinese hubs weekly. You formed a joint venture with Chinese top delivery company- SF Express this September. This is a strong union, both you will take great advantage from the joint efforts.

Many Chinese companies are very interested in developing American market. Last month, the Wechat Pay and Alipay are marketing in China Town of Houston. Once they are launched here, more Chinese tourists will come and do more shopping.

Huge opportunities can be found in those key areas of cooperation in the two leader’s meeting, in which the southern states enjoy advantages and can meet the demand of Chinese market.

Energy (clean energy): China could be the top buyer of American LNG. Among the 29 business leaders visited China with Trump, 10 of them are from energy or energy-related area. We still expect more companies to join the cooperation. Besides, China is focusing on green economy, with huge demand for clean energy. So we can find huge opportunities not only in traditional energy area, but also in clean energy such as solar and wind power.

Medical treatment: many cities in the south own advanced medical facilities with world-class capacity and management. Chinese side needs to learn the advanced medical technology, management and service. The model of TMC in Houston, and some medical institutes in Atlanta have attracted broad attention of Chinese cities, entrepreneurs and scholars. We can promote wider and deeper cooperation with this regard.

Innovation: the U.S. is the most innovative country in the world. We have an annual mechanism of China-US Innovation and Investment Summit in Houston. It has become a regular innovative facility for small and startup companies. We can see an even broader future for cooperation on innovation.

Agriculture: Many of the southern states enjoy very advanced agriculture. The peaches of Georgia, beef of Texas, rice of Arkansas, oranges of Florida, all are famous in the world. American beef from some states are already on Chinese tables. Farmers of Georgia and other southern states should take action quickly.

Service Industry: I mentioned the rapid growth of service trade, including education, travel and courier services. Chinese students in southern states are about 60 thousand. American sports such as NBA and Super Bowl are super popular in China. Travel and education, as the advantages of Georgia, are the top services exported to China in 2015. China’s demand for courier services has grown rapidly in recent years. There are huge potentials for cooperation between Georgia and China in service sector.

Finally, let me quote a word by president Xi, “China-U.S. relations face limited challenges, but boundless potential for growth.” I wish to join hands with all friends of the southern states, together writing a new chapter for the relations of China and the southern U.S., to make new contributions for the great new era, and for the beautiful future of China and the U.S.