The Arkansas World Trade Center will join in a virtual, national “town hall meeting”, Thursday evening, May 31st, to discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by China’s growing economic and military power. Northwest Arkansas is one of 30 regions/cities that will be briefed by Thomas J. Christensen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 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. 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; for example, Wal-Mart being able to lower costs for average American consumers and the increase in exports to China’s burgeoning market.

The event will be held one week after the strategic economic dialogue between American and Chinese officials in Washington, D.C.

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.

CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections is a joint collaboration between the Arkansas World Trade Center and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.

WHAT: CHINA Town Hall

WHEN: Thursday, May 31st, 5:30 PM CST

PRESS Q & A: 8:00 PM CST.

WHERE: 3300 Market Street, Suite 400, Rogers AR. 72758

PRESS CONTACT: Denise Thomas (479-418-4821) or dthomas@arwtc.org