Jess Smith and Sons Inks Deal at Prestigious U.S. - China Trade Forum

By Jim.Robinson|September 10, 2009

The China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over 400 people representing many different trades and businesses attendance. Two hundred Chinese companies and one hundred fifty U.S. companies, heavy media and press coverage plus many high profile Chinese government officials attended the prestigious “invitation only” event.

With the importance of trade between China and the U.S., the conference was honored by the participation of Chairman of the National People’s Congress of China, Mr. Wu Bangguo. Chairman Wu, the top legislator, is the second ranking official in Chinese government. This was the first visit to the United States by the Chairman of the National People’s Congress in over twenty years. Under heavy security, Chairman Wu addressed the Forum, commenting on the importance of trade between both countries. Other attendees at the conference included Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Members of the U.S. House Representatives and State Governments from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho and Arkansas were also in attendance.

Ernie Schroeder Jr, CEO/Owner of Jess Smith & Sons Cotton Co., a 67 year old Cotton merchandising firm headquartered in Bakersfield, California attended the event. Mr. Schroeder Jr. was the only U.S. cotton merchant invited to participate in this prestigious event. Jess Smith & Sons Cotton is one of the largest U.S. family-owned cotton merchants in the U.S.A.

China is the largest cotton producer, consumer and importer of cotton. They are the largest market for U.S. cotton. Maintaining long term relations with partners in China is a must for future growth.

Only 41 companies were invited to participate in the contract signing ceremony with a Chinese business partner. The forty one contracts signed represented $12.4 billion in trade between the U.S. and China. Mr. Schroeder Jr. signed a five year contract with Chairman Liu Shizhen of Luthai Textile Co., Ltd, one of the world’s best known and largest manufacturer of high grade yarn, dyed fabrics and top brand shirts. The five year contract will benefit Jess Smith & Sons’ farmers and serve to build very long term relations between Jess Smith & Sons and Luthai Textile.