US and China should find ways to ensure more effective cooperation: US official

NEW YORK - The United States and China should solve the trade tensions soon and find ways for the two countries' companies and business organizations to "link and leverage their networks and assets to ensure more effective cooperation," said a municipal official in Florida, the southernmost state of the US.

International relations are "very important" in helping local companies do business with foreign partners including the Chinese and "it is necessary to keep those relationships open," Brian Rademacher, economic development director of Ormond Beach, told Xinhua in a recent interview at the east coastal city of Florida.

The uncertainty emanating from the tariffs tit-for-tat between the world's two largest economies, however, is casting a shadow on such partnership.

Known as Central Florida's Preferred Business Address, Ormond Beach "really keep(s) an eye on it, because it has an effect on businesses here," he said.

"We hope that they (the United States and China) find common ground soon so we can move on with trade as normal ... and the companies can continue to be successful without having to do any damage to the relationships," he noted.

Although there is no direct investment from China in Ormond Beach, yet local companies like Broadway Limited Imports, a major producer of top-quality model trains, have established decades-long business cooperation with Chinese peers, he said, adding that there are actually lots of opportunities in Ormond Beach for potential Chinese investors to explore.

Located at the very crossroads of Central Florida's High Tech Corridor, Ormond Beach's pillar industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, and professional and business services, according to the city's economic development guide.

Being a coastal community, the city also looks forward to attracting investors in hospitality and tourism, as well as ocean development, he said.

"In terms of economic development, we strive to have sustainable policy of sustainable economic growth. Ormond Beach could be a good opportunity as investors want to reach the Florida market ... or branch out throughout the entire United States," said Rademacher.

Rademacher also conveyed his wish to visit China someday to learn more about Chinese culture and history.

Calling himself "a big fan of urban centers," Rademacher said he especially wanted to visit the metropolises in China and some leading innovative companies in technology and software sectors.

China is the second largest merchandise trading partner of Florida and the largest merchandise import origin of the state, according to the Florida-China Association.

More than 300,000 Chinese visitors arrived in Florida in 2018, hitting a record high and making China the ninth largest visitor origin of the state, a latest report published by Visit Florida has shown.