DATE: February 04, 2008
CONTACT:
Xiaobo Hu, (864) 656-1452
xhu@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Teresa C. Hopkins, (864) 656-1222
hopkin1@clemson.edu
EXPERT: Xiaobo Hu
U.S.-China business specialist to outline trade challenges, opportunities
GREENVILLE – Erin Ennis, vice president of the United States-China Business Council (USCBC), will discuss the challenges and opportunities in working with China during a luncheon for Greenville area business leaders at noon on Friday, Feb. 15, at The Lazy Goat restaurant at 107 River Place in downtown Greenville.
The presentation “How to do Business with China Today: Challenges and Opportunities,” is part of the Clemson University Center for China Studies 2008 Speaker Series and is co-sponsored by the Clemson Renaissance Center. The lunch is $15. Register online at http://business.clemson.edu/rencenter/RenaissanceCtr.htm. (Ennis also will speak Thursday as part of Clemson's globalization seminar. See related story.)
“Extraordinary economic growth in China in the past 30 years has changed that country fundamentally,” said Xiaobo Hu, director of the Clemson University Center for China Studies. “Erin Ennis has in-depth, hands-on knowledge in both public and private sectors in dealing with China in the past 15 years and is the best expert to share her insights on both the challenges and opportunities our American companies face today.”
Ennis has served as vice president for the USCBC since May 2005. She directs the council’s government affairs and advocacy work for member companies and oversees its Business Advisory Services. Founded in 1973, the USCBC provides extensive China-focused information, advisory and advocacy services, along with events, to more than 250 U.S. corporations operating in the United States and throughout Asia.
Prior to joining the USCBC, Ennis worked at Kissinger McLarty Associates, the international consulting firm created by former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former White House Chief of Staff Thomas “Mack” McLarty. At Kissinger McLarty, Ennis was responsible for implementing strategies for international business clients on proprietary trade matters, primarily in Vietnam and Japan.
Before entering the private sector, Ennis worked in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 1996 to 2000, first with congressional affairs on Asia issues, including annual approvals of China’s most-favored nation status and the 1997 push to renew presidential “fast-track” negotiating authority. Later she was assistant to Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Richard Fisher, who led U.S. trade negotiations, enforcement and intellectual property rights with Asia and the Americas. From 1992 to 1996, Ennis was a legislative aide to former U.S. Sen. John Breaux, working on international trade and commerce.