The Corporate Citizen, July 2008

Section:  Features

Chamber Joins CEOs, NGOs and USG in Sichuan Province, China
By Becky Fraser, Senior Manager, U.S. Chamber China Division

Myron Brilliant, vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Asia Division, and I proudly represented the U.S. Chamber in the U.S. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) delegation to Sichuan Province and Beijing, China, on June 30–July 2. In the wake of the May 12, 8.0-magnitude earthquake, our delegation sought to learn more about Chinese reconstruction plans to ensure future U.S. public and private-sector assistance maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Led by USAID Administrator Henrietta Fore, the delegation included key executives from Johnson & Johnson, Cisco Systems, Procter & Gamble, Honeywell, Chevron, the Merck Company Foundation, and NGOs World Vision, Operation USA, and American Red Cross. The U.S. Chamber and Business Roundtable represented business associations.

At the request of Chinese Premier Wen, the Ministry of Commerce arranged for the delegation to receive extended access, including a trip to a county in the earthquake's epicenter and the remote mountain city of Yingxiu. There were a couple of experiences that none of us will forget. Some of the particularly sad but poignant moments were with the children of this devastated town. 

The Chinese officials' response to the earthquake and initial stages of reconstruction have been focused and, for the most part, well executed. The domestic citizens' overwhelming embrace and camaraderie will certainly be the source of immense pride for years to come. We were particularly proud to represent the generous contributions of the U.S. business community, which according to BCLC's tracking total over $102 million in cash and in-kind donations.

 The May 12th earthquake is the largest natural disaster in China since that country began its reform and opening-up policies. Interestingly, many Chinese officials are leveraging this opportunity to demonstrate a new phase of openness. The access, exchanges, and cooperation would have been nonexistent 10 years ago.

The government's acceptance of donations from both private Chinese citizens and the international community marks a sea change and demonstrates the depth of the government's efforts to ensure timely restoration of livelihoods and communities.

Chinese officials are actively encouraging investment and vocational training by companies in rural and city areas. The government's willingness to entertain outside ideas (aid, volunteers, and training) and respond with openness will be one of the most significant positive outcomes of this tragedy.

The Chamber and BCLC will continue to work closely with other business associations, NGOs, and Chinese and American government officials to ensure the business community remains informed of contribution opportunities and that all stakeholders are aware of the community rebuilding and livelihood transformation our companies are actively spearheading in China and around the world.

The ongoing recovery process will be a key component in BCLC's 2008 Global Corporate Citizenship Conference, taking place on Sept. 18-19 at the U.S. Chamber. Conference details.

For additional information please contact Gerald McSwiggan.