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The Washington State China Relations Council, founded in 1979 following the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and China, is a private and non-profit business association dedicated to promoting stronger commercial, educational, and cultural relations between the state of Washington and the People's Republic of China. The Council is the oldest non-governmental statewide trade association in the United States dealing specifically with China.
Today the Council represents over 150 companies. It provides trade support and information to many of Washington State's leading corporations, from firms that have built long-standing direct business relations with China to small businesses who currently do business with China or are in the process of breaking into the Chinese market. Current members include The Boeing Company, Microsoft Corporation, Bank of America, and Weyerhaeuser Company as well as ports, banks, law firms, accounting firms, wholesalers/retailers, manufacturers, high-tech companies, service providers, import/export companies, consultants, universities, non-profit organizations, and Chinese firms with offices in the state. The Council is financed principally by the annual dues of our members.
The Council is the principal voice for promoting Washington State as the leading gateway to China. Due to its proximity to China, Washington State is in a unique position to take advantage of the growing Chinese economy. In 2002, Washington's trade with China totaled well over $15 billion, and ranked second only to California in state exports to China. The Council will continue to be at the forefront of the Washington State-China relationship in the 21st century.
The Council is recognized by the U.S. federal and Washington State governments, the Washington State Congressional Delegation, the business community, and the media as the premier voice in Washington State on China policy issues that affect the interests of this state. The Council represents these interests in both Beijing and Washington, DC.
The Washington State China Relations Council is all about service – service to our members, and service to the people of the State of Washington. WSCRC members are part of a broad alliance of Washington businesses, academic institutions and cultural organizations that have significant interest in China.
The Council provides members with many opportunities to network with the region’s leading companies and our programs put you in touch with American and Chinese government and business leaders, academics, and journalists. Council membership is a key link to China trade leads and business referrals; access to, or assistance with visiting Chinese business delegations; and participation in the best managed, most productive business delegations to China. As a member, you will also receive electronically our monthly analytical report on China. The report, “China Update,” will bring you top-level analyses of political and economic trends in China, and developments in U.S.-China relations.
The Council's current Executive Director is Joseph Borich, who served as Consul General of Shanghai from 1994 to 1997. Our current Board of Directors includes leaders in Washington State business, government, and education. The Board of Directors ex officio includes the Governor, members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation, mayors of major cities, and other state government leaders.
For more information, please call (206) 441-4419 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.
WASHINGTON STATE CHINA RELATIONS COUNCIL
World Trade Center, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 440 |
