Focus: Anniversaries
Andrew Liveris
Chair, US-China Business Council
Chairman and CEO, The Dow Chemical Company
Congratulations to the US-China Business Council (USCBC) on its 35th anniversary and to China for 30 years of progressive economic reforms. From the days of US President Richard Nixon at the Great Wall, to China's historic accession to the World Trade Organization, to the success of the 29th Olympiad there is a tremendous amount to celebrate.
The Dow Chemical Co. appreciates the importance of USCBC's support for US investment in China and contributions to the PRC government's economic reforms and trade liberalization efforts. Dow has witnessed the historic growth and tremendous opportunities for partnership made possible by the commitment of China's leaders to reform and open their economy. This policy has enabled Chinese companies to become global competitors, encouraged American investors to become partners in China's amazing success, and energized China's domestic economy.
Throughout this period, USCBC has worked closely with the US and PRC governments, providing them with input from industry as policies are being formed. The organization promotes understanding in key areas such as customs administration and enforcement of intellectual property rights. Most important, USCBC helps the two sides reach common understanding. I am honored to chair USCBC and look forward to continuing this critical partnership in support of constructive engagement between Washington and Beijing.
These are exciting times as we enter ever-deeper partnerships and discover new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Dow is involved in a number of public-private sector partnerships that will help improve the standard and quality of manufacturing in China--ranging from worker safety programs to improved energy efficiency. This commitment to corporate citizenship and sustainability is also reflected in meeting extraordinary challenges--like responding to the devastating Sichuan earthquake.
Investment projects such as Dow's coal-to-chemicals venture will provide breakthrough opportunities in western China. This project will create a safe, high-standard production facility that incorporates the latest environmental protection, water recycling, and energy efficiency technologies and provide a viable way for China to produce chemical products from its coal and salt resources. In turn, it will help China reduce its reliance on imported oil and maintain sustainable economic growth.
Projects like these would not have been possible without USCBC and PRC government support over the past three decades. Together, we have enabled success stories in both countries.
Copyright 2008 US-China Business Council
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