US leading companies in soda, logistics support strong US-China ties

ATLANTA — US major companies in beverage making and logistics on Friday voiced support for strong US-China ties as they benefit not only the two countries, but also the world at large.

"The vibrant-going relationship between the US and China is vital for our company ... for the US economy, indeed, for the global economy," said Michael Goltzman, vice president of Coca-Cola, the world's biggest beverage maker, when delivering a speech at a luncheon held here.

Since re-entering China in 1979, the Atlanta-based US soda giant has been expanding its business in the Chinese market.

With a total investment of $9 billion over the past decades, Coca-Cola now has over 40 plants and about 45,000 employees in China, according to data from the company.

"China is very important to Coca-Cola" and we look forward to a much stronger collaboration together, said Goltzman.

Describing the US-China ties as "critical and multi-faceted," United Parcel Service (UPS) Vice President Elizabeth Terrell said the bilateral relationship should continue to do what they do best - create commerce, drive economic growth and connect the world.

As a logistic bellwether in the Untied States, the UPS entered China in 1988, facilitating cooperation between American and Chinese companies.

After years of development, the UPS now conducts more than 200 flights to and from its Chinese hubs on a weekly basis.

In May, the Atlanta-based company announced a joint venture with SF Express, China's leading logistics service provider, marking a new height of its connection with China.

"We view our partnership as an important symbol of growing US-China collaboration," said Terrell when addressing the luncheon organized by the Chinese Consulate General in Houston.

"There are great opportunities for further collaboration and cooperation between companies for both countries," she added.

"A healthy and robust China-US relationship will benefit not only the Chinese and American people, but also the world peace, stability and prosperity," Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin said at the luncheon.

During the luncheon attended by some 200 politicians and businessmen, Li briefed his audience on US President Donald Trump's state visit to China in November and the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in late October.

China will never close its door to the world, said Li, adding that China will also improve the quality and level of its opening-up, further ease market access and further protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors.

"All businesses registered in China will be treated equally," Li said.