Economic conflict between the United States and China has dominated headlines for more than a year. The two nations have traded tariffs on a number of commodities, from agricultural products to raw materials.
The trade war between the United States and China has steadily escalated over the past roughly 18 months, although the two companies are currently in talks to end the ongoing conflict.
To gain a better understanding of the U.S.-China trade war, the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses (AAAB) is hosting a workshop focused on the conflict. Through guided discussions, the workshop officials are aiming to help attendees gain a broader understanding of the impact that the tariffs are having globally and on the Arkansas economy.
According to AAAB President Dr. Yang Luo-Branch, the workshop is designed to expand participants’ notions of who can engage in international trade and how this trade can impact their business.
“The days of ‘doing business globally is only for the big multinational companies’ is long gone. Many entrepreneurs need to think globally at every stage of their business growth. US-China relations have been a major force in the global economy, and the AAAB wants to custom design programs for our Arkansas-Asia business community that represent a win-win for both sides,” Luo-Branch says.
Anna Tucker Ashton, the senior Director of Government Affairs at the U.S.-China Business Council, is set to deliver an overview of the trade war at the beginning of the workshop. Ashton has had significant experience with economic issues and China. She has served in several foreign policy and trade-related roles focusing on China, including her position as the Global Project Manager for Asia at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
“It will be great to welcome Anna home to lead the first session at our workshop. I expect Anna will be able to share from a broad view on the trade issue,” Luo-Branch says. “Seeing Anna on national news as a US-China Trade commentator, such as on the Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox News, and so on, it is an honor for us to have a discussion with her face-to-face right here in Little Rock.”
The importance of the trade war, Ashton says, is the deep ties between world economies. Trade wars, such as the U.S.-China trade war, not only impact these national economies, but local economies, including Arkansas’ economy.
“Our economies are more interconnected than ever. We need to be talking about the long-term implications of the current trade war, and what that could mean at the local level. I’m looking forward to having that conversation with fellow Arkansans,” Ashton says.
Other topics that will be addressed during the workshop include the trade war’s impact on agriculture and technology in Arkansas, its impact on consumer goods, exclusions and exemptions to the tariffs, and opportunities for Chinese and Arkansas companies.
The workshop will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Arkansas State Library in Little Rock.
Tickets are $20 for AAAB members and $30 for non-members. Students can purchase tickets for $8.
Click here to purchase tickets.
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