China Blog - Great morning of business

Great morning of business.  While yesterday was focused on "getting to know you" today was focused on "getting things done".  Our first meeting was with the Ministry of Education.  Unlike other meetings, we went in focused on discussing three specific proposals.  The first, creating a Confucius Institute at Xavier University and 4 other HBCU's was well received.  It was, in fact, directly in line with the desires of the Ministry.  The two proposals, including exchanges of students and teachers, was also well received.
 
The second morning meeting was with the Chinese Council Promoting International Trade (CCPIT). CCPIT introduced itself as a NGO rather like an international chamber of commerce.  Several business representatives were present at the meeting which focused on Chinese partnerships in the US and business opportunities in China.  All along the delegation stressed the uniqueness of the brand-loyal African American consumer.  There was a genuine and warm exchange from the head of the CCPIT.  Mark Morial invited the CCPIT to send a delegation to participate in the League Centennial celebration this July in Washington DC, and they seemed appreciative of the invitation.
 
We arrived back at the hotel about 1:00pm for lunch, but I ran a few blocks down the street to take a few snapshots in Tiananmen Square.  Next, its off to the Great Wall!