Travel

U.S. and Chinese Delegations Conclude the 27th Session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade

AICC Business, Chinese, News and Press, Trade, Travel

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman today led a U.S. delegation in discussions with Vice Premier Wang Yang and other Chinese government officials as part of the 27th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Washington. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus also participated in this year’s JCCT, the last of the Obama Administration. At the conclusion of the discussions, the United States announced key outcomes in the areas of intellectual property protection, pharmaceutical and medical devices, and information security policies.

Specific outcomes of today’s meetings are described below. For further information on outcomes from the meetings, click here.
“The role of the JCCT is to expand the U.S.-China economic relationship by addressing commercial challenges head on and producing concrete results for both our countries. While we have had a productive day, significant challenges remain in our relationship, and we must redouble our commitment to addressing them,” said Secretary Penny Pritzker. “As the two largest economies and the two largest markets in the world, constructive engagement and sustained diplomacy between the United States and China are critical to making progress on the issues that remain in our relationship. That is what the JCCT is all about.”

“Over the years, JCCT has provided a vital platform to discuss the trade and investment issues that shape the U.S.-China economic relationship. This year’s JCCT produced progress on a number of issues facing American workers and businesses, but challenging issues in our bilateral economic relationship remain,”said Ambassador Froman.“What we know is that American workers and businesses are willing to compete with their counterparts in China, but expect to do so on a level playing field. As we conclude the final JCCT under President Obama’s leadership, we are hopeful the JCCT will continue to be an effective forum for sustained and meaningful engagement in the years to come.”

“While the agricultural outcomes of this week’s JCCT did not go as far as the United States had hoped, I remain optimistic that, in the final weeks of this Administration, we can still make additional progress on priority issues including biotechnology approvals and market access for U.S. beef,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I urge both sides to reengage as soon as possible so that we can fulfill this expectation and complete work before the end of the year and the start of the new administration.”

Established in 1983, the JCCT is the primary forum for addressing bilateral trade and investment issues and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China. The 2015 JCCT meeting was held in Guangzhou, China.

Building upon the increased size and scope of the U.S.-China commercial relationship, the JCCT was reinvigorated in 2014 to include a full day of collaborative programing designed to facilitate private sector engagement with officials from the United States and China, as well as to promote the exchange of information on trade opportunities at the state, provincial, and local levels.

This year’s private sector engagements included a celebratory dinner hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the US-China Business Council, as well as roundtable discussions on corporate restructuring, agriculture and food safety, and the digital economy.

Overview of JCCT Outcomes

Through sustained engagement during the course of this past year, the United States and China have reached agreement in several areas of key importance to U.S. farmers, innovators, manufacturers, workers and consumers, including in the following areas:

Implementation: The United States and China agree on the importance of the full implementation of past JCCT outcomes to secure meaningful benefits for our workers and businesses. China agreed to build upon the 2011 commitment of President Hu Jintao to President Obama to delink Chinese indigenous innovation policies from government procurement preferences, and China’s 2011 JCCT and S&ED commitments to eliminate catalogues or measures with such links.

Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals: China committed to strengthen oversight of government procurement of medical devices to ensure foreign brands and foreign-manufactured products are treated in a transparent, fair, and equitable manner, and to not link procurement to policies promoting domestically produced medical devices. China also affirmed that drug registration review and approval shall not be linked to pricing commitments and shall not require specific pricing information.
Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Enforcement: China agreed to a number of IPR-related commitments that will facilitate much needed improvements for a wide range of industries that rely on the ability to protect and enforce their IPR in China. China affirmed that it is strengthening its trade secrets protections and prioritizing enforcement against online IPR counterfeiting and piracy. Both countries recognize the important role of online platforms in developing innovative new ways to deliver safe, reliable, and legitimate products in convenient and affordable ways.
Excess Capacity: Building on Presidential commitments made earlier this year, the U.S. and China agreed to jointly promote the expeditious establishment of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity. In addition, the United States and China recognized the G20 Leaders’ commitment to take effective steps to address the challenges of global excess capacity. Both sides have agreed to exchange information on soda ash and to address global electrolytic aluminum excess capacity.

Innovation: This year’s JCCT provided an opportunity for the U.S. and China to build upon commitments made by Presidents Obama and Xi in September that innovation policies should be consistent with the principle of nondiscrimination. China confirmed that its “secure and controllable” policies will not limit sales opportunities for foreign companies or impose nationality-based restrictions, and will be notified to the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Committee.
Semiconductors: China and the United States jointly reaffirm their commitment to a strong, vibrant global semiconductor industry that operates in fair, open and transparent legal and regulatory environments. China reaffirms that operation of the integrated circuit investment funds will be based on market principles and that the government will not interfere with the normal operation of the funds.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST BUSINESS AVIATION EVENT – 2016 NBAA-BACE

AICC Business, Event, Export, Logistics, Manufacture, Membership, News and Press, Transportation, Travel

Orlando, Nov 1st,  Join 27,000 industry professionals for the most important three days of business aviation today. Ranked as the sixth largest trade show in the United States, the Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) held on Nov. 1–3, 2016, in Orlando, Florida, bringing together current and prospective aircraft owners, manufacturers and customers into one meeting place to get critical work accomplished.

NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) is the year’s most significant media event for the business aviation industry. This event brings together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, corporate aviation department personnel and all manner of people involved in nearly all aspects of business aviation.

Roughly 27,000 business aviation industry professionals are expected to converge on Orlando, FL Nov. 1-3 for NBAA’s 2016 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). For the Orlando area, whose economy depends heavily on travel and tourism, including a booming convention business, NBAA-BACE is a major contributor to the area’s economy.

Ranked as one of the largest trade show in the United States, NBAA-BACE brings together current and prospective aircraft owners, manufacturers and customers into one meeting place to survey the latest aviation product offerings, network with peers and accomplish critical work.

According to the Orlando County Convention Center (OCCC), the show will have an estimated overall economic impact on the area of $51.2 million. NBAA attendees will utilize 46,100 total hotel room nights, with 10,000 nights booked during the peak period, according to OCCC.

“The Orange County Convention Center is honored to host the prestigious NBAA conference,” said OCCC Executive Director Kathie Canning. “We have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with NBAA and are excited to continue to provide their leadership, exhibitors and attendees with all of the amenities that our convention center and community have to offer.”

NBAA last held the convention in Orlando in 2014, and the show is scheduled to return to Orlando in 2018. NBAA-BACE feature more than 1,100 exhibits and two static aircraft displays, as well as more 50 educational seminars.

Starting Nov. 1, U.S. passport photos with glasses no longeracceptable

AICC Home, Information, News and Press, Travel, Visa

Beginning November 1st, 2016, customers applying for their U.S. passport or U.S visa or renewing their U.S. passport must remove glasses for their photo.

Last year, more than 200,000 U.S. passport customers submitted poor quality photos which we couldn’t accept. The #1 problem was glasses. We had to put their passport applications on hold because we couldn’t clearly identify them from their photo. Many U.S. visa applications have been delayed due to the same problem.

If the photo of you in your unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. visa has glasses, don’t worry about it. You don’t have to get a passport or visa now. Next time you renew your passport or apply for a new visa, though, you’ll have to take your glasses off.

This policy change helps us and it helps you. We can see you more clearly now and you will experience fewer U.S. passport and U.S. visa application delays and can move faster through U.S. ports of entry. Don’t get us wrong, we love your glasses, but take them off for your U.S. passport or U.S. visa photo.*

For more information on photos, check out our passport photo requirements and photo examples or visa photo requirements and photo examples.

*If you must wear eye glasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to obtain and submit a signed statement with your U.S. passport or U.S. visa application from a medical professional or health practitioner.

Panda Footprint · 2016 Wenchuan International Fans Walking Festival

AICC Branch and Representative, Culture, Event, News and Press, Travel

Panda Footprint · 2016 Wenchuan International Fans Walking Festival

Finding Panda Footprint · International Fans Walking Festival Invitation

Welcome
Date: Oct. 20, 2016, 8:00AM
Place: Wolong Giant Panda Museum

Sponsor:
Chengdu Branch, American International Chamber of Commerce

For the purpose of promoting US-China economic and trade and developing culture and education, AICC Chengdu Branch, on the basis of the high-quality resources in Sichuan, will make every effort to provide all types of members with a full range of services such as financial investment, economic and trade, corporate listing, cultural exchange, education and training, exhibition planning, sightseeing and tourism, business investigation, overseas study and immigration, business law, and human resources.

Introduction:
“Finding Panda Footprint” International Fans Walking Festival will be taken as the theme to further promote the green development and protection of giant pandas, to make the members participate in the development of the Giant Panda Economic Zone in the southwestern area of Aba, to highlight the characteristic tourism of “Sunshine Valley, Panda Home, Healthcare Wenchuan”, to further develop the panda brand of “Wenchuan and Wolong Nature Reserve Giant Panda Habitat”, and to promote economic, social, ecological and cultural development of Wenchuan, Sichuan, China.

Highlights

Visit Wolong Giant Panda Museum
Panda fans hiking
Panda fans waling festival
Participate in the walking festival to win a surprise gift

Event Schedule
Agenda:
9:00-9:30 AM Opening Ceremony
10:00-11:00 AM Visit the Giant Panda Museum
11:00 AM Start of the Panda Fans Waking Festival
18:00-19:00 PM Closing Ceremony

Registration
Phone: 15882356180
Wechat: 13908050332
QQ: 1258774616
Contact: Mr. Miao

Hints:
Departure Location: Sichuan Chengdu Gymnasium
Departure Time: 7:00-7:30 AM
To the site by bus
End time: 18:00-19:00 PM
Back to Chengdu by bus
Contact: 15882356180
Location: Wolong Giant Panda Museum

Building Peace: Colombian Peace Presents New U.S. Business Opportunities

AICC Agriculture, Investment, Logistics, Trade, Travel


Bogota, Colombia

After decades of civil unrest, the Colombian government reached a ceasefire with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on June 23, 2016. The ceasefire deal was the last major step in reaching a final peace agreement, expected by the second half of August, according to Colombia’s Minister of Post-Conflict, Rafael Pardo. Peace is expected to bring many benefits to Colombia, including improved rule of law, security, and increased investment. This improved business environment has the potential to open a number of new opportunities for to U.S. companies.

The U.S. is an important trade and investment partner for Colombia. U.S.-based companies have been exporting an increased number products to Colombia since the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement went into effect in 2012. U.S. goods exports to Colombia stand at $16.3 billion in 2015, having grown 14% since the implementation of the agreement – compared to just 1.2% growth in U.S. goods exports worldwide over the same period. This makes Colombia our third largest export destination in Latin America.

Two industries that have made large gains are agricultural products and manufactured goods. Agriculture exports have doubled to $1.3 billion, and manufacturing exports grew 9.8% for a total of $14.5 billion in 2015.

One of the areas under negotiation as part of the peace process is comprehensive agricultural development. Therefore, a number of large agricultural development projects are planned as part of the government’s post-conflict strategy. The goal is to assist those areas most affected by the conflict and work to peacefully reintegrate the FARC and its former members into society. This priority has the potential to improve the standard of living for about 20% of the Colombian population that lives in rural areas affected by violence.

As Colombia seeks to develop and modernize its agricultural sector, U.S. agricultural equipment and services firms may find new business opportunities. For instance, new agricultural equipment imports can be subsidized by the government of Colombia, and the two-year, $500 million Colombia Siembra program is expected to increase agriculture growth in four years from 2.3% to 6.2% by 2018.

In addition, Business Monitor International found that total food consumption is projected to rise by 56.4% between 2014 and 2019. As a result, more opportunities may open up for businesses that provide value-add technologies to the sector, such as food processing and packaging companies.

Furthermore, Colombia’s post-peace development agenda includes a Contratos Plan (Peace Contracts) initiative led by the National Planning Department (DNP). This plan consists of about 1,450 priority peace projects for a total investment of about 14 trillion pesos, or USD$4.5 billion. The Peace Contracts will include long-term infrastructure projects, as well as other smaller development projects. The most important business opportunities for companies post-conflict include:

  • Infrastructure: roads, airports, aqueducts, schools, hospitals, telecommunications infrastructure, and connectivity
  • Tourism: development of rural tourism and ecotourism
  • Logistics: storage centers and regional distribution centers
  • Agriculture: commercialization of family farming, increased agricultural productivity at small scale farms, and development of irrigation districts.

Colombia is seeking international cooperation and private sector participation to fund several of these development projects. Some of the financial tools being considered are private investment incentives such as Free Trade Zones and Public-Private Partnerships in post-conflict areas. Minister Pardo has also proposed an adjustment to the private sector infrastructure tax. This will create tax incentives for businesses developing infrastructure projects in conflict-affected areas.

The post-conflict environment will present new business opportunities for U.S. companies. Accordingly, U.S. businesses should begin exploring the market now in order to take an advantage of these opportunities.

For information on doing business and exporting to Colombia, visit our web page, including information on upcoming trade events. The Colombian U.S. Commercial Service team is ready to support you in successfully doing business in Colombia.

Follow: Department of Commerce
Steven Armendariz is an Intern at the Colombia Desk at the International Trade Administration

AICC Summer CAMP

AICC Culture, Education, Event, Programs, Training, Travel

The only summer inclusion camp in Los Angeles for membership families, children peers ages 5 to 16. AICC Summer Camp serves as a safe, fun haven for close to 80 participating children by providing a host of educational and recreational activities. The AICC Summer Camp experience includes structured activities, spontaneous free play, organized sports, and social interaction. Children attending the camp are encouraged to develop and explore their imaginations as they engage in various fun and educational activities.

This AICC Summer Camp is free and open  for membership families.

• Math and Reading Enrichment
• Dance
• Music
• Social Skills
• Arts and Crafts
• Field Trips
• Sports
• Science
• Theater
• Games
• Talent Show
• Chinese language learning (option)
• Special Guest Instructors
• And Much More

Dates Time
Cycle 1
Auge 2 – Auge 12
Cycle 2
Auge 15 – August 25
Camp Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Before Care: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
After Care: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Please read:
* Each child must be signed up separately. one form = one space at camp
* Spaces are first come first serve.
* To confirm your child’s space at camp – you must attend a registration day to register (details to follow) Submission of application does NOT guarantee a spot with Camp due to limited space.
Admission will be need-based. Please follow these instructions carefully as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please contact AICC Summer CAMP if you have any questions or comments, or if you are interested in volunteering or employment opportunities at 213-255-2066 or camp@aiccus.org.

*Our generous sponsors and donors subsidize the tuition for campers and Confucius Institute of Education from low to low-moderate income families. If you have a total combined household income of over $75,000, we ask that you make a contribution towards subsidized tuition. Camp is free and this donation is optional.

All donations will be donated to the Confucius Institute of Education, The CIE is an approved 501(c)(3)tax exempt non-profits organization.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Proposes U.S. Airlines and Cities for New Scheduled Service to Havana

AICC Government, News and Press, Transportation, Travel, Visa

WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s historic effort to normalize relations with Cuba, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today proposed to select eight U.S. airlines to begin scheduled flights between Atlanta, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York City, Orlando, and Tampa and Havana as early as this fall. Today’s proposal comes nearly one year after the United States and Cuba reestablished diplomatic relations in July 2015.

“Today we take another important step toward delivering on President Obama’s promise to reengage Cuba,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Restoring regular air service holds tremendous potential to reunite Cuban American families and foster education and opportunities for American businesses of all sizes.”

A dozen U.S. airlines applied for the chance to operate scheduled passenger and cargo service to Havana. Collectively, the airlines applied for nearly 60 flights per day to Havana, exceeding the 20 daily flights made available by arrangement between the two governments. The Department’s principal objective in making its proposed selections was to maximize public benefits, including choosing airlines that offered and could maintain the best ongoing service between the U.S. and Havana.

The airlines receiving the tentative awards are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. 

DOT’s proposal allocates nonstop Havana service to areas of substantial Cuban-American population, as well as to important aviation hub cities. 

The Department’s process of selecting carriers offers an opportunity to present the public with a wide array of travel choices in the type of airline (network, low-cost, ultra-low-cost); choices of airport; and choices of non-stop or connecting service. The DOT’s proposed selections would simultaneously address service needs while promoting competition.

On February 16, 2016, Secretary Foxx and Department of State Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin signed an arrangement with their Cuban counterparts opening the way for scheduled air service between the two countries to resume after more than 50 years. This new arrangement will facilitate visits for travelers that fall under one of 12 categories authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. At the time of the signing, the administration announced that scheduled service would begin later in 2016.

Under the arrangement, each country may operate up to 20 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and Havana. The arrangement also provides each country with the opportunity to operate up to 10 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and each of Cuba’s nine international airports, other than Havana, for a total of 90 daily roundtrips. DOT announced the approval of six U.S. airlines’ applications to serve cities other than Havana on June 10.

Objections to the DOT’s tentative decision are due by July 22. If objections are filed, answers to objections will be due by July 29. The DOT expects to reach a final decision later this summer. The tentative decision and other documents in the case are available online at regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2016-0021.

Cultural Summer Camp for Adolescent

AICC Culture, Education, Event, Home, Training, Travel, Visa

AICC Summer Camp 16 Day

AICC has been dedicated to promoting the U.S.- China educational exchange and supporting Chinese students to attend the summer camps held in the U.S. This Cultural Summer Camp is one of the summer camp events organized and promoted by AICC. We believe that your teachers and students will gain invaluable knowledge and experience with American education, culture, art and society by attending this unique Cultural Summer Camp. You will make friends with American teachers and students, visit museum and schools, and spend a very happy time. It will be an unforgettable memory in your life.

August 1 to 14, 2016
August 12 to 28, 2016
16 Day
Beijing- Los Angeles – New York-Beijing

Day Morning Schedule Touring Spot Accommodation
1 Beijing – Los Angeles East Los Angeles Collage Holiday Inn Pasadena-Colorado Blvd.
2 Universal Studios Universal Studios Holiday Inn Pasadena-Colorado Blvd.
3 Disneyland Disneyland Holiday Inn Pasadena-Colorado Blvd.
4 Los Angeles – New York   Columbia University
5 ELA Lesson: Team Up to Explore

Science Lesson: Types of Ecosystems

 New York Aquarium Columbia University
6 ELA Lesson: Dynamic Earth

Science Lesson: Living Things of the

Past

 American Museum of Natural History Columbia University
7 ELA Lesson: Wonders in the Sky

Science Lesson: The Solar System

 Hayden Planetarium Columbia University
8 ELA Lesson: Flight

Science Lesson: Exploring Forces

 Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Columbia University
9 ELA Lesson: Investigations

Science Lesson: Animals Grow and

Change

 Bronx Zoo Columbia University
10 ELA Lesson: Inventions

Science Lesson: Elements and

Compounds

 Madame Tussaud

Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

 Columbia University
11 A Primary School in New York, Tongmei’s Sister School   Columbia University
12 Macy’s Macy’s Columbia University
13 ELA Lesson: Using Money

Science Lesson: Chemical Changes

 Fifth Avenue

Empire State Building

Times Square

Wall Street

New York Stock Exchange

 Columbia University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
14 ELA Lesson: Literary Lesson

Science Lesson: Saving Resources

 Metropolitan Museum of Art

New York Public Library

 Columbia University
15 ELA Lesson: Our Government

Science Lesson: Exploring Energy

 Federal Hall National Memorial Columbia University
16 New York – Beijing  

AICC
Los Angeles: 213-255-2066
Beijing: 010-6708-3166
Emial: usa@aiccus.org

2016 is the U.S. – China Tourism Year: Learn to Cater to China’s Growing Travel Market

AICC Event, Travel

Chinese outbound travelers reached 109 million in 2014, establishing China as one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets and the 6th largest international market for the U.S.

Is Your Destination China-Ready?

Register for our free Southwest China Tourism Market Webinar, held on May 19, to gain best practices from travel & hospitality industry experts on how to cater to Chinese visitors AND learn how to effectively market to Southwest China’s growing travel market.

Thursday, May 19
8-9:30 p.m. (ET);  5-6:30 p.m. (PT)
Cost: FREE

This free webinar will cover the following topics:
Overview of Southwest China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market, Speakers: Consul General Raymond Greene and Commercial Consul Eric Hsu,  U.S. Consulate Chengdu

Best Practices from China travel & hospitality industry experts on how to be China-ready
How to receive Chinese guests in the hotel
How to effectively cater to the local market in promoting your destination
Southwest China tourists’ habits and preferences and the impact of social media and digital marketing on Chinese tourists

For more information, please contact David Fiscus, david.fiscus@trade.gov
or 801-524-3092.

2016 U.S.-China Tourism Year

AICC Home, Information, News and Press, Travel

The U.S. National Travel and Tourism Strategy set a goal of welcoming 100 million international visitors to the United States by the end of 2021.

As the second largest source of spending on U.S. travel and tourism, China is essential to achieving this goal. In 2014, Chinese visitors spent $24 billion traveling to U.S. cities, national parks and other destinations, and the number of visitors is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

To help promote this trend, last year President Obama and President Xi announced that 2016 will be the US-China Tourism Year. Throughout the year, the Department of Commerce will be working with the China National Tourism Administration, Brand USA, the U.S. Travel Association and other partners to promote travel and tourism between the United States and China. This will help spread the economic benefits of Chinese tourism throughout the United States while also complimenting the broader goals of enhancing the tourism experience, improving cultural understanding and instilling an appreciation for America’s natural landscapes.