U.S.-China Business Council
Background
The U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) was founded in 1973 and has offices in Washington DC, Beijing and Shanghai. It describes itself as 'a private, nonprofit organization of more than 250 American corporations that do business with China'[1].
The USCBC describes its mission as to expand America's commercial relationship with China 'to the benefit of our membership and, more broadly, the US economy' in order to expand 'opportunities while identifying and removing trade barriers'[2].
USCBC reports that it...
- 'has long served as a respected host of events featuring senior officials from the US and Chinese governments. In recent years, USCBC has been honored to receive PRC President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice Premier [[Wu Yi], and other distinguished guests from central and provincial government entities. Recent American public figures to meet with USCBC members in the US and China have included, Treasury Secretary Henry M Paulson Jr., Commerce Secretary Carlos M Gutierrez, key members of Congress, James A Baker III, Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, and numerous specialists on US-China affairs from various agencies of the Executive Branch of government'[3].
People
George M C Fisher is reported to be a former USCBC member[4]. Fisher sits on the Board of Eli Lilly, is a Senior Advisor for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Company and Presiding Director of General Motors Corporation. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the International Academy of Astronautics. Fisher's previous involvements include serving as chairman & CEO for Motorola Inc. and the Eastman Kodak Company. He worked for ten years in research and development at Bell Telephone Laboratories, served as Chairman of PanAmSat Corporation and was on the boards of AT&T, American Express Company, Comcast Corporation, Delta Air Lines Inc., Eastman Kodak Company, Hughes Electronics Corporation, Motorola, Inc., Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Brown University and The National Urban League Inc. Fisher also served as chairman of the National Academy of Engineering (2000-2004), is a former member of the boards of the University of Illinois Foundation (1997-1999), former member of the World Wildlife Fund National Council and Trustee Emeritus of George Eastman House, and former chairman the Council on Competitiveness (1991-1993). He also previously served as Vice Chairman for The Business Council (1997-1999) and as Chairman of the Industry Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC). It is also reported that Fisher 'has been active in U.S./International trade issues through advisory groups to the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce'. Fisher's previous involvements also include serving as member of the President's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations which he joined in 1997[5]
References
- ↑ U.S.-China Business Council An Introduction to the US-China Business Council Accessed 6th February 2008
- ↑ ibid
- ↑ ibid
- ↑ Eli Lilly and Company George M C Fisher Accessed 31st January 2008
- ↑ Clinton Presidential Centre President Names Members to Advisory Committee for Trade Policy Accessed 31st January 2008
