Celebrating “Together Towards Tomorrow” at the CGCC 2024 Lunar New Year of the Dragon

On Thursday, January 18th, 2024, China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (CGCC) and CGCC Foundation, the largest and most impactful non-profit, non-governmental, non-partisan organization representing Chinese enterprises in the United States, hosted its 2024 Lunar New Year of the Dragon Gala at Cipriani 42nd St in Manhattan.

With the theme of “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the gala gathered about 400 of the uppermost business leaders, government officials, and representatives from the U.S. and Chinese business communities to celebrate influential American and Chinese business leaders and companies in recognition of their cross-border cooperation and contributions to local communities.

The official program began with an elegant opening performance of “Passacaglia” by Handel-Halvorsen by two talented musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra, an emblem of people-to-people exchange between the U.S. and China.  In 1973, The Philadelphia Orchestra became the first American orchestra to perform in China. Since that first visit, the Orchestra has returned to China multiple times, continuing its long-term relationship with the Chinese people in concert halls and educational institutions.

(Left to Right) Violinist Daniel Han and violist Marvin Moon from The Philadelphia Orchestra

The opening performance was followed by remarks from Chairman of CGCC, President and CEO of Bank of China U.S.A, Wei HU.

Wei HU, Chairman of CGCC, President and CEO of Bank of China U.S.A. delivered opening remarks

Throughout his remarks, Mr. Hu reflected on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-China relations and its significance in CGCC’s journey as an organization whose role is integral in the growth and development of the bilateral relationship.

“Reflecting on our journey, we see a tapestry of resilience and progress, woven through decades of shared efforts and mutual understanding. The theme of our Gala, 'Together Towards Tomorrow,' resonates profoundly as we commemorate this milestone. It symbolizes our enduring commitment to forging a future where our people can continue to thrive, fostering peace, stability and prosperity for our nations and the entire world,” said HU.

(Above) Minister Xueyuan XU, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States during her keynote remarks

Minister Xu Xueyuan, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, was invited to deliver a keynote speech. On behalf of the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Feng XIE, Minister Xueyuan XU first congratulated the Chamber on another successful event and extended his warmest greetings for the Lunar New Year of the Dragon to guests.

During her remarks, Minister XU expressed a positive sentiment for the future of the bilateral relationship. “We look forward to working closely with the U.S. side to follow up on the significant outcomes achieved at the summit [San Francisco Summit] and restore China-U.S. relations to the track of sound and stable development so that enterprises at both countries can do business at ease and prosper together.” said XU.

(Above) Ray Dalio, the CGCC 2022 Gala Principle Award Honoree, Founder, CIO Mentor, and Member of the Bridgewater Board introduces the International Leadership Award
 

Introduced by Ray Dalio, the CGCC 2022 Gala Principle Award Honoree and Founder, CIO Mentor, and Member of the Bridgewater Board, Raj Subramaniam, President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx, was honored with the International Leadership Award. With over three decades of experience, Mr. Subramaniam’s insights and commitment to globalization have left an indelible mark on the global business landscape. His visionary leadership and profound contributions to global commerce have not only elevated FedEx to new heights but have also served as a beacon of innovation in the transportation and logistics Industry.

(Above) Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx, during his acceptance remarks

During his remarks, Subramaniam spoke about the importance of bringing people together. 

“No matter our industry, ideals, or cause, we can all commit ourselves to the greater good — to finding a purpose and leading with purpose, to closing chasms that separate us, and acting collectively for progress and change,” Subramaniam said. “That is the essence of leadership — and it is not reserved for CEOs, presidents, and executives — it is within all of us.” 

Subramaniam’s remarks were followed by special remarks from Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns, Ambassador of the United States of America to the People's Republic of China and Minister Wentao WANG, Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

(Above left to right): Zheyu CHEN, Vice-Chairman of CGCC, Chairman of COSCO SHIPPING (North America) Inc.; Wei HU, Chairman of CGCC, President and CEO of Bank of China U.S.A; Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx; Minister Xueyuan XU, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister of the Embassy of the People‘s Republic of China in the United States; Ning YUAN, Vice-Chairman of CGCC, Chairman of China Construction America. 

(Above) R. Nicholas Burns, Ambassador of the United States of America to the People's Republic of China during his special remarks

Introduced by Vice-Chairman of CGCC and President of Wanxiang America Corporation, Pin NI, R. Nicholas Burns, Ambassador of the United States of America to the People's Republic of China, began his remarks by taking a moment to acknowledge the great impact of the late Dr. Henry Kissinger, the CGCC 2023 Gala Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, 56th U.S. Secretary of State and pivotal figure in the normalization of U.S.-China relations. 

(Above) Pin NI, Vice-Chairman of CGCC, President of Wanxiang America Corporation 

Ambassador Burns continued his remarks emphasizing the improved communication between the U.S. and China, citing the success of meetings between government officials and the encouragement of people-to-people exchange with the restarting of more frequent flights between the two countries. “I report to you this evening that the U.S.-China relationship has notably stabilized, there is certainly better communication between our governments than was the case 8 or 9 months ago. “We’ve agreed to promote and strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and China in a number of fields including artificial intelligence, counter drug cooperation...,” said Burns. 

(Above) Minister Wentao WANG, Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China

Minister Wentao WANG, Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, also gave special remarks where he expressed his best wishes for the event and spoke on the committed efforts of the Ministry of Commerce. “In 2024, to deliver on the importance consensus of the two presidents, the Ministry of Commerce will work hard with all the stakeholders including the Chinese and U.S. business communities to foster enabling conditions for trade and economic exchanges at all levels”, said WANG.

(Above) Ping HUANG, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York presented the Outstanding Community Contribution Award

Presented by Ping HUANG, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York, The Outstanding Community Contribution Award was jointly awarded to Las Vegas Sands and BSE Global in recognition of their unwavering dedication to community prosperity and global networks.

(Above) David Beckham, David Beckham, UK soccer icon and Sands' global ambassador introduced Las Vegas Sands 

(Left to Right): Ping ZHANG, Vice-Chair of CGCC, Vice President of China Telecom (Americas) Corporation; Ambassador Ping HUANG, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York; Robert G. Goldstein, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands; Wei HU, Chairman of CGCC, President and CEO of Bank of China U.S.A.; Kang PAN, Vice-Chairman of CGCC, General Manager of China Merchants Bank, New York Branch

(Above) Jim Reynolds, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Loop Capital introduces BSE Global

(Left to right) Jim Reynolds, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Loop Capital; Duan WANG, Vice Chairman of CGCC, HNA Trust Management, Chief International Affairs Officer; Ambassador Ping HUANG, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York; Sam Zussman, CEO of BSE Global; Wei HU, Chairman of CGCC, President and CEO of Bank of China U.S.A, pose with the Brooklynettes Dancers, the official dance team of the Brooklyn Nets.

Following the acceptance remarks was an energetic dance performance by the Brooklynettes Dancers, the official dance team of the Brooklyn Nets.

Michael J. Franco, President and CFO of Vornado Realty Trust, helped close the event program by introducing the last speaker of the night, Kate Barton, EY Global Vice-Chair Emeritus, who reflected on her participation in “CGCC Women in Business” program and recognized CGCC’s continuous efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

(Above) Michael J. Franco, President and CFO of Vornado Realty Trust, introduced Kate Barton, EY Global Vice-Chair Emeritus

Left to Right: Michael J. Franco, President and CFO of Vornado Realty Trust; Wei HU, Chairman of CGCC, President & CEO of Bank of China U.S.A.; Kate Barton, EY Global Vice-Chair Emeritus; Shau ZHANG, EY US Partner and Americas China Overseas Investment Network Leader

“One of the CGCC programs I want to call out is the CGCC Women in Business program.  I have had the good fortunate to attend a few of these luncheons and it was a fabulous way to grow my network and to meet new people that are like minded about Chinese/US business opportunities,” said Barton.

Additionally, she expressed her excitement about the expansion of the CGCC Women in Business program to the “CGCC Women’s Leadership Series,” which transforms the original bimonthly/quarterly luncheon program to include events in New York, Washington D.C., California, and other national locations to foster a fun and supportive environment for all female community members.

(Above) Mike Walter, Principal Anchor of CGTN-America, a five-time Emmy Award winner, emcees the CGCC 2024 Lunar New Year of the Dragon Gala

The night commenced with attendees relishing a delightful dinner and forging new connections. During dinner, guests tuned in to recorded Lunar New Year messages from leaders of CGCC's "sibling” organizations in China. Michael Hart, President of AmCham China, Harley Seyedin, President of AmCham South China, and Eric Zheng, President of AmCham Shanghai, all conveyed their warmest greetings during the event.

Bank of China U.S.A. extends heartfelt appreciation to CGCC for hosting this special event. We’re proud to be a dedicated sponsor and active participant in the CGCC 2024 Lunar New Year of the Dragon Gala. Our sponsorship is more than just a gesture; it reflects our unwavering dedication to building bridges, fostering dialogue, and strengthening ties for a brighter future. The gala showcased not only the shared commitment of the U.S. and Chinese business communities but also the profound impact of cooperation in addressing global challenges.