Chairmen’s Message:
The American Chamber of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the American Chamber of Commerce in South China are pleased to present the 2008 White Paper on American Business in China.

This year’s edition–AmCham’s tenth–continues our annual tradition of presenting the views and insights of our collective membership on trade and commercial issues affecting the U.S. business community in China, as well as our views on the PRC’s overall business environment and recommendations for enhancements.

This 2008 White Paper reflects the broadest-ever collaborative effort of our members, thanks to the cooperative efforts of our three organizations. Synthesizing a diverse range of industries and issues, this publication offers a cohesive and unified snapshot of the state of the American business community in China. Our goal is to promote cooperation and offer constructive solutions to the problems that remain in the overall excellent U.S.-China economic relationship.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of China’s Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, which launched the start of a new era of reform, opening and unprecedented economic development. Of course, 2008 also brings the Summer Olympic Games to Beijing. China is home to many of our members and we warmly welcome athletes from around the globe who will arrive in the country to participate in this year’s Games. For these reasons, this year’s White Paper holds particular significance.

We at AmCham are pleased to offer this opportunity to address the important issues that are central to our economic relationship with China. Trade between the U.S. and China is growing in importance and complexity. AmCham recognizes that disputes will arise from time to time and encourages both governments to take all possible steps to resolve bilateral issues amicably. We note that instances of cooperation between China and the U.S. far exceed instances of dispute. Defending and preserving the openness of the trade relationship should remain a core commitment of both the U.S. and Chinese governments.

In this year’s White Paper, there are three broad issues that we have made a particular effort to highlight. They reflect the current mood of the U.S. business community in China as the country moves past its WTO-entry phase and toward a new and exciting period of continued global economic integration. These issues include (1) the importance of continuing to open markets to trade and truly fair competition for foreign investment; (2) the significance of the rule of law and transparency in regulations and standards; and (3) specific trends we see taking shape here that may hamper China’s potential as an affluent and far-reaching market economy. In the spirit of cooperation, this document outlines a number of recommendations about how to address these issues.

What we urge is not only consistent with China’s development plans and aspirations, but also vital for China’s long-term success as a competitive, innovative economy. Protectionist tendencies must be resisted and openness reinforced.

AmCham’s emphasis on open markets applies not only to China. With slowing growth in the U.S., the focus needs to be on enhancing America’s overall competitiveness, rather than seeking defensive protectionist solutions. The future of the U.S. economy is linked to the competitiveness of American companies globally. The U.S. Executive Branch and Congress should ensure that American companies of all sizes have the support and resources necessary to compete effectively in China.

In short, we are very pleased to be both participants in and witnesses to the evolution of China’s economic and legal systems. We are honored that over the years the leadership of both the Chinese and U.S. governments have been receptive to the messages and analyses offered through our many interactions, and particularly to our annual White Papers. On behalf of our more than 7,000 cumulative members in China, we are confident that the 2008 White Paper will be an important policy tool for U.S.-China trade and commercial relations, as past editions have been.

We thank our many members as well as their companies and organizations who contributed their resources, time and insights to the development and authorship of the 2008 White Paper. The publication of the 2008 White Paper, in itself, is a defining effort, and represents the spirit of cooperation and values of AmCham.

James M. Zimmerman
Chairman
American Chamber of Commerce, People’s Republic of China
J. Norwell Coquillard
Chairman
American Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai
Harley Seyedin
Chairman
American Chamber of Commerce, South China

Visit American Business in China, 2008 White Paper Download Page

• 2008 White Paper Chairmen's Message
• 2008 White Paper Introduction
• Part One: The Business Climate for American Firms in China
• Additional Business Climate Data
• Part Two: Industry Issues
• Part Three: Provincial / City Issues

The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the American Chamber of Commerce in South China are committed to working with the Chinese and U.S. government authorities to help foster vibrant and constructive commercial relations between our two countries. To that end, our three chambers, collectively referred to in this paper as "AmCham," have compiled the observations, concerns and recommendations of our collective membership of more than 7,000 companies into this tenth White Paper.

We hope this report will serve as a platform for continued dialogue and cooperation between U.S. businesses and both Chinese and U.S. government authorities, and as a useful resource for anyone interested in better understanding China's business environment.

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