Exclusive Cornerstone New Jersey Invitation to VIP Events with Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong at Kean University

June 11, 2007 - Reception, 6:30 p.m. - Dinner, 7:30 p.m.  

Cornerstone New Jersey members will have the honor of dining in an intimate setting with Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong and Governor Tom Kean on the campus of Kean University in Union on the evening of June 11. The program is being offered in cooperation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is an opportunity that you will not want to miss, since China is growing in economic importance to New Jersey - and the U.S. - with each passing day. At the dinner, you may ask questions of the Ambassador about China in general or regarding your company's particular interests.

Space will be limited since we can only accommodate a small group of VIPs. Your membership in the Chamber's Cornerstone New Jersey program is the reason you have been invited to participate in this memorable dining experience.

China is New Jersey's biggest growth market, in dollar terms. Export shipments to China rose from $259 million in 2000 to $579 million in 2004, an increase of $320 million. In 2005, China was the second largest exporter of goods to New Jersey (second only to Canada) with a 24 percent hike in exports to New Jersey - the biggest increase of any country in the top 20 exporters to New Jersey. With an annual current account balance of $130 billion and reserves of foreign exchange and gold nearing 800 billion, it is safe to assume that we can also anticipate that China will grow in importance as a source of Foreign Direct Investment.

Biography of Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong: Click here for the Ambassador's biography.


June 12 - Tea with Ambassador Wenzhong, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

If you are unable to participate in the previous evening's dinner or you would like another VIP opportunity with Ambassador Wenzhong, we will be hosting a tea reception at Kean University in the late-morning. If space is available, we may be able to accommodate Cornerstone guests for the tea reception.

Following tea, there will be a press conference featuring the Ambassador. If you have a China initiative that you would like to publicize, let Kevin Friedlander know and we will try to work it into the press conference agenda. He can be reached at (609) 989-7888.

June 12 - China Business 2007: Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Companies, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

While Cornerstone members are with the Ambassador in the morning, an international trade conference will be taking place at Kean University detailing expanding opportunities for U.S. companies in China. Our partner for the conference is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. You may also attend this event if you prefer, instead of tea with the ambassador. The conference will conclude with a luncheon where Ambassador Wenzhong will serve as a keynote speaker. Cornerstone members will receive VIP seating at the luncheon.


For more information, contact Joan Verplanck at (609) 989-7888.

Please click here to register.  There is no cost for Cornerstone members to attend the events, but RSVPs are necessary since space is limited.