【By Zhang Jingjuan, Observers Network】Every time they come, every year they make the appointment, every year they gather. At the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), American companies once again demonstrated their persistence with tangible data: the exhibition area exceeded 50,000 square meters, ranking first for seven consecutive years among all countries.

Amid the ongoing "tariff war" and "trade war" between the U.S. and China, American companies have shown their commitment through "increased participation." Even though there are frictions in the bilateral trade and economic fields, the vitality and open dividends of the Chinese market showcased at the CIIE remain a strategic opportunity that they are unwilling to miss. This appeal is particularly evident in the field of agricultural cooperation.

Video screenshot of Michael Hart, President of the China AmCham

"The first word I learned when dealing with Chinese companies is 'soybeans'." Michael Hart, President of the China AmCham, said during the CIIE, highlighting the close connection between Sino-U.S. agricultural cooperation. He openly stated that agriculture is a vital economic pillar in 49 of the 50 U.S. states. "We have an agricultural community that reports on agricultural product prices every day."

In his view, the consensus of "food is the people's first necessity" has crossed the Pacific. "If you don't know where your next meal will come from in the morning, it's definitely unsustainable."

Hart's words revealed the common demands of both countries in the field of food security. However, in reality, due to the tariff war initiated by former U.S. President Trump, China, which was previously the largest buyer of U.S. soybeans, has not placed any orders since May this year, and the export volume of other agricultural products like sorghum has also significantly declined.

"About 95% of the sorghum exported by the U.S. goes to China. The U.S. relies on the Chinese market, and reopening this market is crucial for American farmers," said Wilson (Mark Wilson), who owns a family farm in Turon, Illinois.

Since 1988, he has been fully engaged in growing corn and soybeans. He told Observers Network that his initial motivation for growing crops was to see his food help improve people's lives around the world. Despite the complex state of the current bilateral relationship, he still came to the CIIE with this original intention, hoping to meet more Chinese customers.

"Whether in smooth sailing or stormy weather, we will stick to our position because we value our cooperative relationship and cherish the opportunities brought by the Chinese market. We want to show the Chinese government and people that American companies are willing to provide high-quality products, eager to become part of the Chinese market, and committed to building solid partnerships."

Wilson also said, "Even if no purchase cooperation is reached at the moment, we firmly believe that a turning point will eventually come. So we will persist, as this is a highly valuable market. We hope this day comes soon."

Wilson's other role is as the Global Chairman of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). He pointed out that the number of American companies participating this year set a new record, which proves that American companies still place great importance on the Chinese market. "We hope to convey sincerity through participating in the CIIE: we care about the Chinese market and are eager to be involved."

Hart also told Observers Network that more and more American companies are choosing to enter the CIIE, which reflects the importance of the Chinese market and highlights the value of direct cooperation. Many American companies use this exhibition to showcase their innovative achievements, connect with partners, and gain a deeper understanding of the trends in the Chinese market.

Mark Wilson, Global Chairman of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) - Observers Network

However, behind the persistence of American companies lies some practical concerns. Hart revealed that the America Chamber of Commerce conducts an annual survey to understand the main worries of American companies. The survey found that the biggest concern of American companies currently is the U.S.-China relationship.

Just before the opening of this CIIE, the leaders of the U.S. and China met in Busan, South Korea, setting the direction for the development of bilateral relations.

"Recent high-level interactions between the two countries, highlighted by the meeting between the heads of state, is a very positive signal," said Hart. He believes that both sides should continue dialogue and take specific measures to address the concerns of enterprises.

In his view, stable and constructive bilateral relations benefit both countries and also benefit the global economy and supply chains around the world. Enterprises hope to see continuous dialogue and clear communication between the two sides, and to create an expected policy environment — these are key factors in enhancing enterprise confidence and maintaining global economic stability.

"In the short term, we hope both sides continue to maintain dialogue and take concrete measures to address the concerns of enterprises. In the long run, in multiple areas such as green energy, healthcare, digital innovation, and consumer goods, both sides have huge potential for cooperation," said Hart.

Wilson also agreed with this view. He believes that as two influential countries, the U.S. and China should focus on common ground rather than magnifying differences. "I hope the leaders of the two countries can continue to maintain dialogue. As long as the dialogue continues, progress is possible," he said.

He always believes that communication is key and dialogue is central. "The more I travel around the world, the more I realize that the aspirations of all people are actually similar: we all want to do our best to give our families a better life. If we can cooperate based on this common goal and start from this core demand, there is no problem we cannot solve."

Currently, there seem to be signs of easing in bilateral trade. Wilson revealed that, according to what he knows, a ship carrying U.S. sorghum has already left the U.S. port heading toward the Chinese market.

"I hope this is a good beginning..." said Wilson.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7571400990767792640/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [like/dislike] button below.