MGM Resorts CEO and CEO Bill Hornbuckle was part of a delegation of American business leaders who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday.
In what is seen as a significant thaw in relations between the two international superpowers, the meeting – held in the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People – is said to be linked to China's efforts to attract foreign investors and help stem the economic slowdown. . Foreign direct investment in China fell by 8% last year.
According to state media CCTV, the US delegation also included Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, Bloomberg Chairman Mark Carney, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, FedEx Chairman and CEO Raj Subramaniam, and Chubb CEO Evan Greenberg, in addition to… Chairman of the National Committee on the United States and China. Relations Stephen Orlins, US-China Business Council Chairman Craig Allen, among others.
During the meeting, President Xi said: “I was asked a question about how there are elements of each other within both China and the United States. It is all about exchange. Through exchange and cooperation, integration ultimately occurs, leading to the mutual integration of elements from each side.” .
“The same applies to thought. Differences in culture will always exist because individuals and even family members are unique. However, the goal is to search for common ground while maintaining minor differences, and to achieve greater harmony between nations, within families and between relatives.”
“The history of China-US relations is a record of friendly interactions between the peoples of the two countries. It was written by the two peoples in the past and should continue to be shaped by the peoples of the two countries in the future. People from all sectors of both countries should participate more, communicate more and cooperate more.”
Reuters He said that the meeting lasted about 90 minutes with the participation of 20 American companies.
While Hornbuckle was just one of the leaders in attendance, the fact that he was received by President Xi sends a positive message about Beijing's current vision for Macau, the undisputed gaming hub of Asia and where MGM operates two integrated resorts.
MGM also operates a number of hotels across mainland China through its joint venture Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality, with locations in Shanghai, Chengdu, Nanjing, Sanya and Qingdao, and has plans to open more hotels in the near future, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai. .
In a statement received in response to IAGIn his inquiries, Hornbuckle said: “Travel between the United States and China not only strengthens trade and economic ties, but also personal and cultural relationships that lead to greater mutual understanding and respect. MGM Resorts is proud to play a role in supporting US-China relations by increasing bilateral travel and tourism.” .
“I was honored to be part of the meeting convened by President Xi to discuss how these relationships can be used to strengthen U.S.-China relations.”