AmChamUS, formerly known as American Club, was founded in 1974, thanks to the visionary efforts of former First Lady Barbara Bush, wife of the 41st President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush. Mrs. Bush played a pivotal role in establishing AmChamUS and wholeheartedly supported its mission. Her husband, President George H.W. Bush, also actively served the nation as Vice President under President Ronald Reagan and later as the US President. Notably, President Bush’s ambassadorial service in China in 1974-1975 demonstrated his commitment to promoting global trade and economic cooperation, which strongly aligns with the AmChamUS core values. Additionally, the Bush family’s dedication to our organization underscores their sincere commitment to advancing American interests in international commerce.

On May 24, 1996, AmChamUS was registered in Pennsylvania, USA, succeeding the Beijing American Club, becoming a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. AmChamUS, with a history of nearly fifty years, focuses on certifying member branches, promoting business development for U.S. and foreign companies, and addressing global challenges through commercial innovation and services.  Our mission revolves around being a platform for collaboration and support for American businesses worldwide and assisting foreign individuals and companies looking to engage in business within the U.S.

At AmChamUS, we place great emphasis on orderly functioning and adherence to our mission, which is why our Constitution and Bylaws are meticulously drafted. They define essential procedures, regulations, and operational guidelines, providing a framework for the actions of our members and the organization as a whole. Not only do these legally binding rules govern our conduct, but they also foster accountability and facilitate effective conflict resolution. By clearly outlining authority levels, rights, and expectations, the Constitution and Bylaws further safeguard the organization from potential challenges. As our needs evolve, our Constitution and Bylaws may be subject to change, requiring a 2/3 vote of the membership for constitutions and a simple majority for bylaws.

The accomplished executive officers at AmChamUS are the driving force behind our achievements. They skillfully direct, plan, and coordinate operational activities while formulating effective policies and strategies that align with our organization’s goals. Additionally, they ensure strict compliance with all legal and fiduciary obligations, review annual budgets, audit reports, and critically analyze material business decisions. Collaborating closely with the Board of Governors, they consistently seek to improve our policies, procedures, programs, and overall performance, maintaining a sharp focus on the organization’s financial and budgetary activities. Furthermore, they actively engage in contract negotiations, oversee the hiring process, and champion a culture of excellence and accountability.

Our esteemed Board of Governors plays a pivotal role in ensuring AmChamUS’s continued success. Composed of individuals appointed to oversee the organization’s operations, including financial matters, the Board assists the CEO in implementing strategic plans and assessing their impact and effectiveness. The Board, in conjunction with the CEO, conducts annual evaluations of its own work to maintain high standards. Additionally, it prepares meeting agendas and supporting materials for board and committee gatherings, actively participates in special assignments, and serves on both standing and ad hoc committees. Furthermore, the Board supports the CEO, the chair of the board, and the nominating committee in identifying and recruiting new board members, guaranteeing that our Board remains dynamic, diverse, and inclusive. Upholding the highest integrity, our governors represent a broad spectrum of expertise, ensuring that AmChamUS effectively serves its extensive membership base.

the organization’s financial and budgetary activities. Furthermore, they actively engage in contract negotiations, oversee the hiring process, and champion a culture of excellence and accountability.

The 21 AmChamUS industry-specific Committees are vital to the Chamber’s mission of fostering a strong business environment for American companies in China. Each Committee is guided by external business leaders who identify critical industry issues and organize year-round programming. Open to all members, the Committees cover both job functions (e.g., Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, Tax) and industry-specific areas (e.g., Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Healthcare). By subscribing to a Committee, members receive access to newsletters, event invitations, speaking opportunities, and exclusive events. For more details or assistance with Committee involvement, members can reach out via committees@AmChamUS-shanghai.org.

Art & Culture: The Art and Culture Committee connects members from various industries who share an interest in art and culture, adding a creative and enriching dimension to the business community. Its mission is to expose members to art resources and foster collaborative opportunities between the arts and business sectors.

Automotive: The Automotive Committee supports companies involved in the manufacturing of vehicles and components, providing a platform for industry professionals to share information, discuss policy updates, and exchange best practices. The Committee focuses on advancing members’ automotive businesses in China’s highly regulated market.

Commodities: The Commodities Committee addresses the trading of raw materials and related financial instruments. It promotes market development, regulatory oversight, and risk management, while encouraging ethical trading and sustainability. Members benefit from networking, training, market intelligence, and dispute resolution to ensure a competitive and compliant trading environment.

Design & Construction: This Committee offers a forum for sharing market insights, discussing relevant policies, and assessing investment conditions for foreign tenants, investors, and industry professionals in Shanghai and Suzhou.

Education: The Education Committee provides a platform for members involved in education and training to exchange ideas and address industry challenges. It serves as a resource for sharing information on training methods, talent development, and capacity building for academic institutions and training companies.

Entrepreneurship: Focused on startup entrepreneurs and SMEs, the Entrepreneurship Committee offers practical advice through workshops, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. The Committee supports business owners in overcoming challenges and finding growth opportunities in China’s market.

Financial Services: As AmChamUS’s main body for financial services, the Committee brings together banks, insurers, PE firms, hedge funds, and startups to exchange information and explore business opportunities. Key initiatives include engaging with government regulators and educating members on industry issues.

Food, Agriculture & Beverage: This Committee facilitates the sharing of best practices across the farm-to-fork supply chain. It serves as a resource for food safety awareness, regulatory compliance, and government engagement on key industry issues.

Future Leaders: Aimed at members under 39, the Future Leaders Committee empowers young professionals through leadership development programs, training, and activities that support their personal and professional growth within the AmChamUS community.

Healthcare: The Healthcare Committee provides a central platform for members to discuss industry trends, policy reforms, and challenges in healthcare. It works with government bodies to advance China’s health reform and covers segments such as pharma, medical devices, biotech, and healthcare services.

Human Resources: This Committee focuses on providing members with education and resources on HR-related matters, including policy updates, industry trends, and talent management best practices. It serves as a forum for sharing information and collaborating on HR challenges.

Legal: The Legal Committee keeps members informed about current legal issues and regulatory changes. It offers a platform for private practice and in-house attorneys to share insights, advocate for legal reforms, and attend seminars featuring expert speakers.

Manufacturing: The Manufacturing Business Council (MBC) offers a platform for senior managers in foreign-invested manufacturing enterprises to share best practices and stay informed about government regulations and economic developments. The Committee also organizes facility tours and cross-industry seminars on manufacturing in China.

Marketing & Media: The Marketing & Media Committee serves as a forum for discussing advertising, communications, and marketing issues. It leverages the collective experience of AmChamUS members to address industry challenges and explore new opportunities.

Real Estate: This Committee provides a platform for discussing market trends, policy developments, and investment conditions in Shanghai and Suzhou. It serves foreign tenants, investors, and industry professionals seeking insights into China’s real estate market.

Retail: The Retail Committee serves as a platform for retail industry members to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and stay updated on market trends. It also facilitates discussions on key industry issues and regulatory policies.

Sports & Entertainment: This Committee provides a platform for members in the sports and entertainment industries to share experiences, discuss market trends, and navigate industry challenges. It also serves as an advocacy platform to address regulatory issues.

Supply Chain: The Supply Chain Committee offers members a professional forum to discuss China’s sourcing, procurement, logistics, and transportation industries. It focuses on best practices, regulatory issues, data management, and the upstream and downstream supply chain network.

Tax: The Tax Committee keeps members updated on tax and finance developments through seminars and discussions. It also provides a platform for sharing information on industry-specific tax policies and regulatory changes.

Technology: The Technology Committee addresses emerging trends in innovation and technology across industries. It focuses on disruptive business models, regulatory environments, and opportunities for cross-industry collaboration, offering members practical workshops and insights from thought leaders.