The Arkansas World Trade Center will join in a virtual, national “town hall meeting” on the opportunities and challenges posed by China’s growing economic and military power on Thursday evening, May 31st. Northwest Arkansas is one of 30 regions/cities that will be briefed by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Christopher R. Hill, via a live video cast. He will be available for interactive questions in a conversation moderated by Stephen A. Orlins, President of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.

This program will also feature Henry (Hank) Levine, Senior Vice President for Stonebridge China and Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia, Department of Commerce. He will discuss the U.S.-China economic relationship and the challenges and opportunities it presents both nationally and locally. Mr. Levine will touch on issues such as IPR and losing business to Chinese imports, but will also show the upside to increasing trade relations with China- i.e. Wal-Mart being able to lower costs for average American consumer and the increase in exports to China with its burgeoning market.

The event will be held one week after the strategic economic dialogue between American and Chinese officials in Washington DC (scheduled for May 23rd-24th).

Attendees, including media representatives, will have ample opportunity to raise questions about local concerns and discuss the issues addressed in both the video feed and local presentations.

Click here for more information on speakers and event schedule.