President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai 

CIIP: Thank you Mr. Jarrett for accepting my interview. First, would you please introduce yourself to our audience and tell us the overall mission of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai?

Kenneth Jarrett: I am the current president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. Previously, I worked for five years (2008-2013) as the China chairman of a U.S. public affairs consultancy and before that was a U.S. diplomat for 26 years (1982-2008). I first came to China in 1979 as an English teacher in Shanghai and have lived in China for over twenty years.

AmCham Shanghai is one of the oldest and largest AmChams outside of the United States. Our objective is to help U.S. companies succeed in China and to promote the healthy development of U.S.-China commercial ties. We do this by providing business information, relationship building opportunities, and policy advocacy support. We have 3600 members from 1650 companies.

CIIP:  Yours is a familiar face in Changzhou since you were the Consul General of the US Consulate General in Shanghai during 2005 to 2008. Can you share with us your impression of Changzhou city and how do you view 

the cooperation between Changzhou government and the US side as a diplomat’s perspective?

Kenneth Jarrett: I always enjoy visiting Changzhou and have been there many times. The city is well designed, has had excellent leadership and is home to many U.S. companies. During my tenure as U.S. Consul General in Shanghai, I spoke at several events held by the Changzhou government designed to help introduce the city to other potential investors. In my experience, Changzhou was attentive to the concerns of the foreign business community and wanted to provide the best possible investment climate. I was honored to be named an “honorary citizen” of Changzhou after I stepped down as Consul General.

CIIP: The Changzhou Bureau of Commerce recently conducted a series of cooperative efforts with SME Center of the AMCHAM Shanghai, including helping Changzhou to conduct business promotion activities in Shanghai. So what is 

your perspective with regard to this cooperation between AMCHAM Shanghai and Changzhou?

Kenneth Jarrett: We are pleased to be working with the Changzhou Bureau of Commerce to help promote business opportunities in Changzhou. In February of this year, AmCham Shanghai has signed a collaboration agreement with the Changzhou Bureau of Commerce to promote leading industries in Changzhou through three promotional

seminars. The first seminar will take place March 30 in Shanghai at the AmCham offices. Changzhou government representatives will attend those events, which will provide an opportunity to emphasize to our member companies the geographic advantages, economic development opportunities, and strong talent pool available in Changzhou.

CIIP:  What other services does AMCHAM Shanghai offer to Changzhou in order to achieve a mutually satisfying business environment?

Kenneth Jarrett: Another example of support that AmCham Shanghai could provide Changzhou would be to assist with trade delegations that Changzhou might want to send to the United States. AmCham Shanghai’s SME Center can help with meeting arrangements, matchmaking, site visits and other support to ensure a successful visit.

CIIP: As business leaders would know, Changzhou has focused on consistently developing 10 industrial chains such as rail transportation, automotive, agricultural and engineering machinery, solar and photovoltaic energy to name a few. With the mounting downward economic pressure, what suggestions you would like to give to Changzhou so that we might maintain sustainable economic growth?

Kenneth Jarrett: Changzhou has already made the wise decision of focusing on advanced manufacturing and specific industries – like renewable energy – that will play a larger role in China’s future economic development. A slowing economy, however, does present new challenges. This is true for Chinese and foreign companies alike. For all companies, the efficient allocation of resources is particularly important. Margins are getting squeezed and companies must run their businesses with a closer eye to efficiency if they are to continue to be profitable and successful. Some analysts describe China’s economy today as running at two speeds – an “old” economy that is not growing and a “new” economy that is growing quickly. The “new” economy refers to such industries as advanced manufacturing, environmental technologies, healthcare, professional services, e-commerce, education, and tourism. Some of those industries line up with Changzhou’s strengths. That’s where Changzhou should focus its attention.

CIIP:  According to your background, you have worked as a teacher of English at Shanghai International Studies University from 1979 to 1981. Can you tell us what’s the differences of the students between 1970’s or 1980’s and nowadays?

Kenneth Jarrett: That is a difficult question to answer as my contact today with students is somewhat limited. But overall, my sense is that there is much in common between students from decades ago and students today – they all work hard, are very studious and respect their teachers. One difference, however, is that today’s students are better traveled and know much more about the world outside of China than the students I taught in 1979-1981. Moreover, there are many more opportunities today for students to go overseas for advanced study. That is a big change. For example, there are currently nearly 300,000 students from China in the United States alone.

CIIP:  Have you visited Changzhou since you have become the president of AMCHAM Shanghai in Sept. of 2013?

Kenneth Jarrett: Yes, I have, but there was more of a personal trip, rather than in my official AmCham capacity. Our Suzhou branch office has hosted some programs in Changzhou for the American companies operating there and I hope to be able to attend one of those events in the future.

CIIP:  What is your overall view of foreigners living in China? Can you describe any changes you have witnessed throughout the years?

Kenneth Jarrett: One obvious change is in the number of foreigners in China. When I first came to Shanghai in 1979 there were only 25 Americans living there. Today no one knows the precise number, but it could be as many as 50,000 in Shanghai alone. To be a foreigner in one of China’s coastal cities is hardly a novelty anymore. Overall, I believe foreigners come to China with a deep curiosity about China and tremendous goodwill. They want to learn about Chinese culture and many become serious students of Chinese language. And everyone becomes a fan of Chinese food.

CIIP:  What kind of activities do you engage in during your free time here?

Kenneth Jarrett: I don’t have as much free time as I would like as the Chamber is very busy and Shanghai receives many visitors from the United States. But on those rare moments when I can enjoy a break I enjoy swimming, going to movies and art galleries, having a meal with friends, or just reading a good novel.

CIIP:  How would you advise potential business entrepreneurs about bringing start ups to China these days? Where is the best potential?

Kenneth Jarrett: There are still many business opportunities in China today. Even with a slowing economy, the rate of growth is much higher than most parts of the world. In addition, a growing middle class means more consumer spending, as does the process of urbanization and the improved infrastructure in China’s interior cities. In terms of best potential, I would just reiterate the list cited above of those industries that characterize China’s “new economy.” China’s service sector is growing quickly and that offers many opportunities to start ups. The fact that Chinese consumers have embraced e-commerce and the digital age with such enthusiasm is also positive for business entrepreneurs.

CIIP: Thank you again Mr. Jarrett for accepting my interview.

Kenneth Jarrett: Thank you for having me!