Los Angeles, California – On May 22, 2023, the highly anticipated China-California Business Forum was held in Los Angeles, marking the reopening of the forum following a three-year interruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Over 400 distinguished representatives from the political, business, and academic sectors of both China and the United States convened to discuss pivotal matters of mutual interest. The forum, organized into three specialized sessions, delved into the realms of clean technology, e-commerce, and bilateral direct investment opportunities.
The Cleantech Sub Forum was hosted by the US-China Clean Tech Center (UCCTC). UCCTC’s Executive Director Dr. Feng An moderated this session. Richard Malcolm Swanson Jr., Senior Advisor to the Office of Regional Director, Pacific South Network, U.S. Commercial Service, Global Markets at the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, set the tone with his opening address. Swanson underlined the shared consensus achieved by China and the United States in climate cooperation, highlighting the vast collaborative opportunities and promising prospects within the clean technology sector.
Stephanie Duran, Director of the China Office at the US Department of Energy, provided a comprehensive overview of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology and its development within the United States. Duran proposed the establishment of a dedicated CCUS HUB in China, with the aim of fostering extensive collaboration between the two countries.
Michael Swords, Vice President at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, shared valuable insights into the operational framework of the incubator and its role in supporting innovative ventures. Notably, Swords highlighted the incubator’s commitment to fostering international collaborations and providing incubation services to promising Chinese clean technology startups.
Susan X. Ying, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships and Operations at Ampaire, captivated the audience with a compelling account of the company’s journey in developing electric aircraft. While expanding their operations in the United States and Europe, Ampaire has strategically initiated business ventures in the thriving Chinese market.
Lastly, Eric Li, Chief Executive Officer of BDP Enviro Tech Company., took the stage to introduce their cutting-edge biodegradable sewage treatment technology. Eric also outlined the potential for technological advancements in related fields on a global scale.
The forum served as a platform for constructive dialogue, with participants engaging in extensive discussions on cooperative prospects and potential challenges across various sectors between China and the United States. Recognizing the significant complementarity between China’s vast zero-carbon market and the United States’ advanced clean technologies, attendees expressed optimism for substantial collaboration between the two nations.
With the specialized sessions of the forum hailed as a resounding success, this momentous gathering reinvigorated the China-California economic and trade relations, fostering renewed enthusiasm and paving the way for future cooperation in crucial areas of mutual interest.
