Experts Discuss The Importance Of The Chinese Market For U.S. Businesses

At a recent event in Washington, DC, industry experts held a panel on the growing opportunities for U.S. businesses in China as they look to recover from the pandemic. Steve Clemons, The Hill’s editor-at-large, moderated the panel, and was joined by Frank Lavin, former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Karren Kerrigan, President & CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.

Lavin currently serves as the founder of CEO of Export Now and frequently works with U.S. businesses trying to grow their sales in China.

“I would do whatever I could to encourage U.S. businesses to compete in that market. Because of the size of the China market and the ease of ecommerce, the opportunities are tremendous.”

‍In Lavin’s new book “The Smart Business Guide to China E-Commerce,” he notes that digitization and platforms like Alibaba have broken down many traditional barriers for U.S. businesses and reduced the costs of companies to enter China and grow their brands there.

Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, emphasized how technology opened up new markets for U.S. small businesses. 

“When we talk about the data and the numbers of consumers online in China, it’s very compelling. This full transformation of all things digital has made a difference. Small businesses will be looking outside the U.S. because that’s where the customers are.”