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Business in China Report
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Marylhurst University students and professors met with Mr. Reggie Lai, Senior Associate Director for APCO Worldwide Inc., to learn more about Oregon’s trade relationship with China. APCO Worldwide Inc. is Oregon’s official trade representative in Shanghai, China.
In a meeting at the historic Metropole Hotel just blocks from Shanghai’s famous Bund financial district, Business and Communications Studies students from Marylhurst learned first hand about China’s commitment to international growth, their interest in environmentally sustainable technologies, and the details of how their office can support Oregon companies interested in partnerships with their Chinese counterparts.
Responding to students’ questions, Mr. Lai shared insights about the workings of the Chinese political system and Shanghai’s unique role as the financial center of China.
"The Chinese government," said Mr. Lai, "is becoming very aware of Oregon’s reputation as a center for green technologies and is quite interested in developing more relationships with potential U.S. partners."
In turn, many Oregon companies are becoming interested in the cost effective services being offered by more and more Chinese companies.
"Shanghai is moving away from manufacturing and concentrating more on being a premier service provider," said Mr. Lai.
Shanghai was the next to the last stop on a Study Abroad trip arranged by David McNamee, Chair of the Undergraduate Business Programs through EF College Tours.
"This meeting was a nice bonus," said Professor McNamee. "When the International Trade Division of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department heard of the planned trip a few months ago, Derrick Olson, head of the Division very graciously offered to have their reps meet with us as schedules allowed. I think taking time out of their very busy schedules really says a lot about the quality of the folks in our State’s trade division," said McNamee.
Marylhurst student Nicole Zurcher mirrored the appreciation of the group for the trade representative’s presentation. "It was the highlight of the trip for me," she said.