On January 17th, 2019, Commercial Councilor Zou Xiaoming attended the Chinese auto companies reception at the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) hosted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) at Detroit’s COBO Center. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II of Michigan, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, President of MEDC Jeff Mason, and other political and business figures from Michigan, as well as representatives from both Chinese and Michigan auto companies were in attendance, comprising a total of over 100 guests.

Commercial Councilor Zou Xiaoming stated that 2018 marked the 40th anniversary of China’s Reform and Opening-up, as well as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US. During the initial stages of China-US relations, total trade between our nations remained at a low of $2.5 billion, however that value reached $580 billion in 2017—a 232-fold increase. There is vast potential and great prospects for China-US trade cooperation, and as such, the only path forward is that of win-win cooperation, which serves the fundamental interests of both peoples.

In his opening remarks, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II mentioned that China is Michigan’s important business partner. Through the combined efforts of all sectors in the state, Michigan’s economy has been on the rise. An increasing amount of Chinese enterprises are sowing their financial seeds and allowing Michigan businesses to flourish, especially those engaged in the field of auto manufacturing. Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II highlighted that Michigan is set to engage in pragmatic cooperation with China in an ever-expanding array of industries, thus further benefiting the people of both countries. He hopes to visit China soon.

Mayor Duggan welcomed all of the Chinese auto enterprises in attendance at NAIAS and acknowledged the important contributions Chinese enterprises have made with regards to Detroit’s economic comeback. He hopes that cooperation between Detroit and China continues to bear larger and sweeter fruit in the new year.