Posted: February 19, 2010

By Philip Newswanger

philip.newswanger@insidebiz.com

A decade ago, China was a minor economic and diplomatic player on the world stage.

Today, this country of 2 billion people is a global economic and diplomatic powerhouse, which just happens to own close to a trillion dollars in U.S. Treasury bonds and which just happens to feed and clothe most Americans.

More so, China is flexing its muscles and has clashed with the U.S. over monetary policy, human rights, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, toxic dry wall and dog food, and the U.S. budget deficit, among other controversial issues.

The local business community will have the opportunity to see 21st century China up close.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a trip to the Middle Kingdom from Sept. 14 to 22. The trip is open to members and nonmembers.

The trip is being marketed as an introduction to China, according to Jack Hornbeck, president and CEO of the chamber.

Two pre-trip orientation sessions will take place this week. One is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the chamber's headquarters at 500 East Main St. in downtown Norfolk. The other is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance at 421 Boundary St. in Williamsburg.

Travelers will spend four days in Beijing, the country's seat of government, and four days in Shanghai, the country's financial capital, and the suburban cities of Suzhou and Hanghou.

The trip promises extensive sightseeing, including trips to the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, which served as the imperial palace for 500 years. Travelers will also get to attend the Shanghai World Exposition, scheduled for when the chamber will be in Shanghai.

"That's an opportunity for China to sell to the world," Hornbeck said. "We have tickets to that."

Business meetings aren't scheduled during the trip, but travelers can visit a client if they so wish, Hornbeck said.

The China trip builds on the chamber's concept of inter-regional trips in the U.S., which the chamber takes every year to build relationships with other regions and to learn best practices, Hornbeck said.

"This is an orientation trip, not a business development trip," he said.

China was chosen because it is a unique and exotic destination, Hornbeck said.

"This whole idea of going to China was highly recommended to us," Hornbeck said. "We talked about the possibility of going to other locations. I think this trip is competitively priced enough and unique for people who haven't gone before."

The price for a chamber member is $2,099 per person, which includes three meals a day and travel within China.

This trip is the chamber's first international one. Hornbeck said the group may choose other international destinations in the future.

The chamber has received many inquiries but only one person has signed up so far.

Hornbeck said the trip is an opportunity for people to network and develop relationships.

"The trip will let folks experience firsthand a culture we hear about and read about for the most part," Hornbeck said. nib