Press Release

U.S. Consulate Deepens Ties with Beihai

U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck (4th from left) poses with Mayor of Beihai Lian Younong (4th from right) and other US and Chinese officials during his visit to Beihai, Guangxi on December 7.

On December 7-8 U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck made his first official visit to Beihai, Guangxi Autonomous Region to promote trade in U.S. agriculture and other products as well as bilateral investment, learn about local volunteerism and education, understand local business and economic conditions, and advocate for environmental cooperation.  The Consul General was accompanied by Economic/Political Chief Steve Lang, Assistant Public Affairs Officer Dan Holtrop, Commercial Representative Jerry Kwan, and others.

Consul General Goldbeck held meetings with Beihai municipal leaders and with officials responsible for development of the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone.  Local leaders included Mayor Lian Younong, Deputy Mayor Yang Zhiyuan, Beihai City Commerce Chief Li Shaowen, Beihai Beibu Gulf Economic Zone Construction and Administrative Committee Office Deputy Director Feng Wei, General Manager of COFCO Bio-Energy Co. Ltd Liu Shuhai and the Beihai Foreign Affairs Office. 

The Consul General also met with Chairwoman Xu Hai-ou and other leaders of the Beihai Public Volunteers Association, and with President Ma Jun and other dignitaries of Beihai College of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as with 20 students from Beihang.  His talk with students focused on U.S.-Chinese cooperation on the environment and other Consulate work in south China, after which the students compared U.S.-Chinese education and talked about culture, ethnic groups, study abroad, the roles of U.S. and China today, and ways that sports increase mutual understanding.  Mr. Goldbeck additionally held a press availability with the Beihai Bureau of China News Service and Nanguo News, where he shared his positive impressions of civil society in Beihai and of American opportunities there.

In Beihai Mr. Goldbeck said: “I have felt a growing excitement about volunteerism and the environment in Beihai, which is an important gateway between China and Southeast Asia.  I hope U.S. and Chinese companies can expand cooperation on energy efficient technology and responsibilities; green plans can help bring about efficient development for the whole of Guangxi Province.”