On Wendesday, January 17, 2018, China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (CGCC)—the largest nonprofit organization representing Chinese enterprises in the United States—hosted the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York. Honorary Chairman of CGCC, Vice-Chairman of the 12th CPPCC National Committee Tung Chee-Hwa, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai delivered keynote speeches. On behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Patrick Foye, President of Metropolitan Transportation Authority delivered Chinese New Year celebration remarks.

At the gala, Stephen Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, was honored “Goodwill Ambassador for China-US Exchange” Award, Marc Holliday, CEO of SL Green Realty, was honored “The Most Influential Real Estate Person of the Year” Award, HNA Group was honored “Brand of the Year” Award, Greenland Group was honored “Outstanding Community Contribution” Award.

In 2018, CGCC launches CGCC Strategic Advisory Council (hereinafter referred to as Council). As the bridge building partner of China-US business communities, the key objective of the Council is to support CGCC’s mission, vision and growth. At the event, the three founding members of the Council, EY US Chairman and Americas Managing Partner Steve Howe, President of Boeing International, Marc Allen; Group General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Global Banking and Markets, Americas, Thierry Roland, delivered their first remarks as Council members.

This annual Gala brought together over 450 uppermost business leaders, government officials, and researchers from China and the U.S. in support of CGCC’s growth and its mission. Other attending dignitaries include Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York Amb. Zhang Qiyue and Chairman and CEO of C.V. Starr & Co. Maurice Greenberg.

The event began with a welcome speech given by Xu Chen, Chairman of CGCC, President and CEO of Bank of China USA. Xu Chen highlighted that CGCC is playing a much more important role with expanded membership and greater influence. He said, “CGCC’s mission and progress could never have been accomplished without the trust and continued support from each and every one of you.”

As one of the keynote speakers, Tung Chee-Hwa pointed out that China-US relationship is no longer based on economic cooperation only, people-to-people exchanges have been playing a more and more important role in promoting the relationship between the two countries and we need to facilitate more people-to-people activities moving forward. Mr. Tung believed that China and the United States “have every reason to work together”. The two countries should not see each other as adversaries. Instead, China and the U.S. need to narrow the trust gaps and continue to find solutions to various global issues together such as economic crisis, climate change and terrorism.

Presented by Tung Chee-Hwa, Stephen Schwarzman was honored “Goodwill Ambassador for China-US Exchange” Award for his remarkable and impactful contributions to a constructive and cooperative China-US relationship. In receiving his award, Schwarzman said that China-US relationship will define the 21st century. He established “Schwarzman Scholars” program at Tsinghua University in Beijing China to give future leaders the power to change the course of history and to build a peaceful and prosperous world.

HNA Group was presented “Brand of the Year” by Stephen Schwarzman. Co-Founder and Chairman of HNA Group Chen Feng received the award. “HNA Group had a year of incredible growth in expanding the brand’s influence around the globe”, Chen Feng said. “This award not only recognizes our expanding global footprint, but marks our progress in bringing the world closer together through deepened U.S. market ties.”

As one of the CGCC Strategic Advisory Council member, Marc Allen gave a warm introduction of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the United States of America Cui Tiankai. Amb. Cui Tiankai, as the other keynote speaker of the event, shared his thoughts on China-US relationship. Amb. Cui emphasized that among all the partnerships, the relationship with the United States is most significant and consequential to China and what China seeks is global partnership not global dominance. China will continue to play a leading role for making greater contribution to the global community.

Marc Holliday was honored to be “The Most Influential Real Estate Person of the Year”, presented by Amb. Cui Tiankai, for his philosophy, vision and innovations that uniquely shaped the real estate industry. In receiving his award, Mr. Holliday highly praised the collaboration between China and the US businesses. “From big to small, and in all aspects of the business, Chinese companies have become regular partners and an integral part of the investment and business community here. As China’s economy grows and leads the way in technology, major infrastructure projects, robotics, artificial intelligence and much more, we will become increasingly interdependent. So, I am committed to continuing our long-standing partnership, and very optimistic about the future together”.

The second half of the gala was opened by Steve Howe, also CGCC Strategic Advisory Council founding member, who shared his story of visiting in China in 1982. Witnessing the tremendous transform of China during the past decades, Steve believes one thing remains unchanged — the Chinese people’s warmth, hospitality, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

On behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Patrick Foye wished the guests a happy Chinese New Year and talked about a great many investment opportunity in New York State in infrastructure. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we are moving forward and delivering the most aggressive and ambitious building program in the nation, with $100 billion in projects and investment across the state, and each of you in this room has an important role to play”.

Greenland Group was honored “Outstanding Community Contribution” Award, presented by Patrick Foye, for their exemplified efforts in fostering economic growth and development in local communities. Chairman and President of Greenland Holding Group Zhang Yuliang received this award. Zhang Yuliang noted, “Since its entry to the US in 2013, Greenland Group has committed over 3.5 billion dollars to our projects in the US. From affordable housing to schools and hospitals, from green buildings to vibrant communities, from major infrastructure improvements such as a new rail yard for the LIRR, to public art programs, Greenland partners with local organizations to support a variety of initiatives that create positive changes and opportunities for urban communities in New York and Los Angeles.”

Last but not least, Theirry Roland, also a founding member of CGCC Strategic Advisory Council, concluded the gala. He emphasized on the significance and success of the Belt and Road initiative, and recognized China’s leadership in many ongoing issues around the globe. At the end, he appreciated CGCC for this joyful evening and for organizing such a successful event.

This Gala is CGCC’s event of the year. A special thanks to our sponsors and partners: HNA Group, Bank of China USA, EY, Related Companies, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., SL Green Realty, Parkland Group, The Starr Foundation, China Construction America, CBRE, The Moinian Group, China Telecom Americas, China Merchants Bank New York Branch, Appeal of Conscience Foundation, Fosun International Limited, Miami Design District Associates, Gemdale USA, China-U.S. SkyClub, Greenland Group, State Grid US Representative Office, China Orient Asset Management (International) Holdings, Newmark Knight Frank, Hikvision, Genworth, GSW/UBER/ARE Partnership, China Construction Bank New York Branch, International Vitamin Corporation, Yuhuang Chemical, Agricultural Bank of China New York Branch, Colliers International Group, Loop Capital, Citi, SCG America Group, Kuafu Properties, China Southern Airlines Company Limited New York Office, Blank Rome, Xinyuan Group, Huawei Technologies USA, Brookfield Property Group, Hunan Gonghe Private Equity Funds Management, Baosteel America, X+Q, Sansheng Investment U.S.A., Cross Four Ranch, Tyson Fresh Meats Team, ECCOM Network System, Waitex Group of Companies, Delta Air Lines, DaDong, King & Wood Mallesons, Tiffany & Co., AECOM, Lennar International, SWOOP, Events by Tracey Brown.