Conference Announcement and Invitation

The U.S.-China Conference on Business and Technology is an annual forum on business and technological issues affecting both the U.S. and China. The forum is organized by the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, USA (CAST-USA), coordinated with its Washington DC Chapter (CAST-DC). The first three conferences were held in Washington area. This year, the fourth Conference will be held in conjunction with the CAST-USA Annual Conference in Reston, VA, a Washington suburb near Dulles International Airport.

The theme of this year’s conference is ''Seeking Opportunities in Changing Economic Globalization''. The conference is intended to address the opportunities and challenges associated with the dynamic changes in economic globalization affecting both the U.S. and China. Globalization is the trend of modern business, and technology is eliminating traditional borders. American businesses are looking beyond domestic markets for customers, sales and partners. The Chinese economy in 2003 grew about 8.5 percent and remains as the main bright spot in the world and a major source of international economic dynamism. As the fourth-largest trading partner and the source of the largest U.S. trade deficit, China’s economy is increasingly important to the U.S. As world economy converges, the time is ripe for seeking opportunities in this ever-changing economic globalization. We have designed the programs and sessions on the following topics:

• Expending international trade and business opportunities between the U.S. and China in changing economic globalization
• Exploring new business opportunities driven by cutting-edge technologies
• Developing job searching skills and career opportunities in markets of both the U.S. and China
• Seeking entrepreneurial opportunities in changing business environments in both countries

The Organizing Committee has invited officials from the U.S. federal agencies and state governments of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, as well as from the Chinese Embassy and Chinese central and provincial governments to share their insights, wisdom and advices on policy issues related to our topics. In addition, we have invited business executives and technical experts from both the U.S. and China to give in-depth economic and technological presentations. The forum will also have extensive discussions on issues related to professional career development and entrepreneurial opportunities in changing economic environment in both the U.S. and China.

The conference is expecting an audience including both our members and non-members from local areas and all over the U.S., as well as from China, and is itself an excellent opportunity for networking. They are mostly professionals with earned degrees in sciences, engineering, humanities, or business. It is our sincere hope that you can take this opportunity to attend the conference, interact with professional and business communities from both countries to promote mutual understanding and enhance U.S.-China relationship and cooperation. You can also showcase your business expertise either at on-site booth or through conference events and advertisement. We also offer services to arrange your follow-up visit to Chinese and American companies and institutions for potential partnership or join venture development after the conference.

The Conference Organizing Committee

January 2004