October 10, 2013

Mayor Emanuel Welcomes To Chicago Wang Chao, Vice Minister Of Commerce For The People's Republic Of China

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Emanuel welcomes to Chicago Mr. Wang Chao, Vice Minister of Commerce for the People’s Republic of China.  Photo Credit: Brooke C

Mayor Emanuel today welcomed Mr. Wang Chao, Vice Minister of Commerce for the People’s Republic of China, to Chicago. Mayor Emanuel and Vice Minister Wang discussed the economic ties between the City of Chicago and the People’s Republic of China, and new opportunities to strengthen this relationship.

“I welcome Vice Minister Wang to Chicago and I am pleased to continue strengthening our longstanding economic relationship with our Chinese friends,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Vice Minister Wang and I had a fruitful conversation centered on opportunities for greater economic collaboration between Chicago and the People’s Republic of China.”

Mayor Emanuel’s meeting today with Vice Minister Wang is a continuation of the dialogue begun in July of 2012 when Mayor Emanuel hosted the Vice Minister and a large business delegation to discuss investment opportunities in Chicago. 

Since day one of Mayor Emanuel’s administration, City Hall has sought opportunities to foster positive economic development opportunities with China.  Mayor Emanuel has met with numerous delegations including Mayor Tang Liangzhi of Wuhan, who signed a memorandum of understanding to promote further collaboration and dialogue between the two cities.

During Mayor Emanuel’s time in office multiple prominent Chinese companies have started operations in Chicago.  In December 2012, the Bank of China opened a branch in the city, making Chicago only the third city for it to locate in the United States.  Hainan Airlines and Cathay Pacific have also begun direct flights into Chicago O’Hare International Airport.  Cathay Pacific’s service alone accounts for nearly $200 million in economic activity to the Chicago region.  These additional flights bring the total number of direct flights between Chicago and China up to 44 each week; in addition there are 43 weekly cargo flights. 

Photo Caption: Mayor Emanuel welcomes to Chicago Mr. Wang Chao, Vice Minister of Commerce for the People’s Republic of China.

Photo Credit: Brooke Collins // City of Chicago

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