Chinese Delegation Purchases $500 Million of U.S. Cotton

With great fanfare, a Chinese delegation representing textile companies, non-governmental agencies and several government offices joined U.S. cotton merchants May 18 at the renowned Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee to sign contracts to purchase more than $500 million of U.S. cotton. Xiao Ling, Deputy Director at the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Textiles, was master of ceremonies. Remarks were made by Wang Chao, Assistant Minister of Commerce, and Phil Bredesen, Governor of Tennessee. Following the signing, the delegates and merchants celebrated the partnership with a champagne toast.