"Heartland Connect" Brings Together U.S. and Chinese Local Leaders to Forge New Partnerships in Agriculture, Food, and Healthcare

CHICAGO, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 150 business executives, state and local officials, and trade association leaders from both the United States and China convened to launch the inaugural Heartland Connect for Trade & Investment, held on August 25, 2025, in Chicago.

"Heartland Connect" Brings Together U.S. and Chinese Local Leaders to Forge New Partnerships

Co-organized by the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA) and China General Chamber of Commerce - Chicago (CGCCC), this bilateral gathering built on the success of the annual U.S.-China Agriculture Roundtable and expanded its focus to three critical sectors driving the economic vitality of America's Heartland: agriculture, food, and healthcare.

American attendees from 17 states engaged with Chinese local government leaders, policy makers, and business representatives from Beijing, Shanghai, Henan, Liaoning, and Shaanxi in panels and roundtables throughout the event.

Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, a sponsor of the event, summarized the core takeaways in a set of "5 T's": "We want to reduce tariffs, reduce tension, increase trust, increase teamwork, and teach each other."

The event also marked the premiere of the Future Ag Leaders Delegation video, which documented the learnings from the recent trip of 20 young agricultural leaders from the U.S. to China.

The success of Heartland Connect reflects a growing recognition that America's Heartland is central to finding the solution to improve U.S.-China relations.

Read the full Press Release here.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heartland-connect-brings-together-us-and-chinese-local-leaders-to-forge-new-partnerships-in-agriculture-food-and-healthcare-302564484.html

SOURCE US Heartland China Association