Fifth Annual Event Will Explore Economic, Cultural Opportunities for Governors, Business Leaders and Non-Governmental Organizations
Kentucky has been selected as the site of the fifth annual U.S.-China Governors Collaboration Summit to be held May 22-24.
The National Governors Association (NGA), the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky will host the summit for governors, leaders and investors from both countries to discuss economic development opportunities. The event will immediately follow another international event, ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19), a three-day event focusing on new ideas and innovations that can change the world.
Governors from all U.S. states and territories, leaders from the People’s Republic of China and business executives from the respective nations are invited. Delegations from Gansu, Jiangxi and Shaanxi provinces, and Chongqing City have confirmed their attendance.
The forum, which alternates each year between the two countries, will set the stage for leaders from the United States and China to exchange views and best practices. Representatives from federal and state governments, diplomatic corps, trade offices, industry and non-governmental organizations are expected to attend. They will discuss trade, education, agriculture and advanced manufacturing as well as tour nearby areas of interest.
“In times of uncertainty around the world, U.S. governors are reaffirming our country’s value as a trading partner and ally and strengthening relationships with their counterparts from other nations,” said Scott D. Pattison, CEO and executive director of the National Governors Association. “In 2018, we launched NGA Global because our governors know that America benefits from nurturing strong relationships around the globe. The U.S.-China Governors Collaboration Summit serves as an important platform for us to carry out this mission.”
“I am very excited that the fifth U.S.-China Governors Summit will be held in Kentucky in May,” added Li Xiaolin, president of CPAFFC. “This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Over the past 40 years, China and the United States have made great achievements through cooperation, and the two peoples have benefited from our close exchanges in various fields. The U.S.-China Governors Forum was established at the aim of promoting sub-national cooperation and enhancing people’s friendship through leadership of the governors. I hope that the attendees at this year’s forum will share your wisdom and experience and jointly work toward a better future of China-U.S. relations.”
“This summit offers a tremendous opportunity for constructive dialogue that will pave the way for a brighter economic future in both of our nations,” said Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, who plans to attend. “We are at a pivotal juncture in U.S.-China relations, and this gathering will provide a platform for progress, cultural understanding and development of mutually beneficial trade relationships. We are very grateful for the opportunity to host an event of this magnitude. Along with Alltech’s renowned ONE conference, this summit will headline an innovative week of global importance in Kentucky.”
Kentucky-based Alltech is among the companies offering support for the summit, and President and CEO Dr. Mark Lyons says the forum is vitally important. “The U.S.-China Governors Collaboration Summit supports cooperation and inclusion that transcends industry and culture,” said Dr. Lyons. “ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference shares this mission, welcoming 4,000 attendees from over 70 countries as they explore innovative solutions that improve their business and the world around them. Having spent significant time living in both China and the U.S., I believe the need to identify opportunities for collaboration is greater than ever. We support the efforts of NGA and CPAFFC to facilitate these discussions, and we’re excited that Kentucky will provide the backdrop for positive progress.”
In conjunction with the summit, major investment banks and financial institutions from both countries will be paired one-on-one with attractive investment opportunities that could generate activity in their respective states, provinces and/or fields of expertise. This exclusive deal-making opportunity will be available only to those states that attend.
