Bay Area Council Strengthens U.S.-China Innovation Ties at CIFIT and Greater Bay Area Forum

The Bay Area Council advanced its leadership in sub-national economic diplomacy during two major events in China this September, highlighting expanding opportunities for cross-Pacific collaboration. Through strategic engagement and on-the-ground partnerships, the Council is helping Bay Area companies access new markets, build global relationships, and bring back insights that strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and growth at home.

At the 25th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, the Council joined over 200 leaders from provincial governments and business communities at the China Provinces – U.S. States Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange. Representing the Council, Jennifer Zou, Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives & Head of Operations, China, chaired the health industry panel, spotlighting California’s innovation ecosystem and its growing ties to Chinese markets. CIFIT also featured remarks from senior Chinese officials, including Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji and Fujian Vice Governor Wang Jinfu, who emphasized China’s evolving business climate and long-term engagement with U.S. enterprises.

Days later, the Council participated in the Third Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Business Conference in Guangzhou. With the theme “Empowering the GBA, Unlocking New Opportunities,” the event convened 1,200 representatives from 30 countries & regions to explore new momentum in cross-border finance, biomedicine, AI, and commercial law. Jennifer Zou contributed to a strategic dialogue on financial innovation, sharing lessons from the San Francisco Bay Area’s experience in attracting global capital, talent, and technology to support high-quality development.

These engagements reflect the Council’s commitment to building durable economic bridges that benefit both sides of the Pacific. By helping Bay Area companies navigate global markets and forge strategic partnerships, the Council is driving innovation, expanding opportunity, and contributing to shared prosperity.

For more information on engaging with the Council’s China initiatives, please contact Jennifer Zou, Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives & Head of Operations, China.