The Dallas Regional Chamber is on the prowl in the international marketplace. Turns out, as many of us already know, that the work ahead of us is significant.
How many of our readers have heard of Xiamen, China? Not many I’m afraid.
Most people in Asia know of the United States of course. They have heard of New York, Los Angeles, maybe San Diego, San Francisco or Chicago if they have family here. But ask them about Texas and there is a vague look of recollection on their face. Ask about Dallas and they ask, is that near New York City?
Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon response across China and Asia as a whole.
Our task is clear – we must bring the Dallas story to the businesses overseas. For those of you that are regular Chamber Blog readers, you will know why exactly this is important. Check out the recent Forbes stories on Dallas, and Mayor Leppert’s Bold Moves Campaign, or take a moment to review some of DART’s recent activities (Gary Thomas, President and Executive Director at DART this morning updated the Momentum Dallas Investors at their quarterly breakfast).
The Chamber continued its long history of work in China at this year’s 13th Annual China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT). This multi-national exhibition and conference is hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) each year in the beautiful city of Xiamen, China. On the southern coast of China, a stone’s throw from Taiwan, this city is one of China’s smaller cities at just around 2.5 million residents.
The Chamber was able to bring a new perspective on opportunities in the U.S. for some 150 businesses and government officials and countless numbers of exhibit hall participants.
If we want to continue to see the Dallas region thrive as a global hub, this work must be done. Even if it is 150 businesses at a time.
Please provide us with your feedback at www.dallaschamber.org/global or to global@dallaschamber.org.
