[photopress:Chicago.gif,full,alignright]According to a recent survey coordinated by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Chicago ranks among the top three business cities in the US by Chinese decision makers who invest in America.
68% said New York was “the best city to do business” in, 57% said Chicago and 40% San Francisco. Significant factors included if the city had a strong technology center, tax incentives, strong distribution and a large number of corporate headquarters. Less important strenghts were a low cost of living, a presence of other Chinese businesses and cultural resources.
Even though Chinese leaders rated Chicago highly, the study revealed that Chinese executives lacked specific knowledge of its main business advantages. Chicago was also considered to be not “in touch” with China.
“The good news is that Chicago has surprisingly high awareness in China as a business city. The bad news is that their understanding of our business assets is shallow and vague. We need to do a much better job of communicating the city’s key attributes – largest airport, most non-stop flights to Shanghai, most diversified economy, best railroad connections and two world-leading business schools.”
Paul O’Connor, executive director of World Business Chicago“We are striving for the world to see that Chinese cultural and business assetts are abundant in Chicago.”
Marshall Bouton, president of Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Source: Asia Times
