The goal of permanent authorization of the EB-5 Program is a multifaceted endeavor which requires close attention and diligence to a variety of different niches within the industry, especially with regards to our largest investor market, China. An important part of IIUSA’s mission of making the Program a success lies within keeping our Chinese partners overseas well informed of trends and events in the U.S. in order to induce market conditions that provide for as much economic success within the Program as possible. Another important part of the mission is to help facilitate diversification of investor origins, so the market is not over-reliant on one particular country for investment sourcing.
To support this vision, IIUSA will be undertaking a trade mission to China and Japan over the next couple of weeks. During the trip, IIUSA officials will meet with Exit/Entry associations in Beijing and Guangzhou and co-host events aimed at educating the Chinese market on the latest updates on the Securities and Exchange Commission vs. A Chicago Convention Center, et. al. case including IIUSA’s related work (i.e., our amicus brief to the Court). In Guangzhou, the American Chamber of Commerce in South China will also be a co-host. IIUSA officials will also meet with AmCham South China President, Harley Seyedin, and the U.S Commercial Service. Mr. Seyedin (who was recently awarded the Peace Through Commerce Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce) and a U.S. Commercial Service Officer will also speak at the IIUSA event in Guangzhou.
During the trade mission, IIUSA will talk about the importance of personal due diligence before investing, update the market on the latest USCIS policy changes, and discuss prospects of comprehensive immigration reform in Congress. IIUSA will also update the market on the inroads made setting up a communications infrastructure in China – including a Weibo account, a microblogging service equivalent to Twitter in the U.S. In addition, IIUSA will extend an invitation to attend industry gatherings later this year, including IIUSA’s 3rd Annual Conference in Las Vegas (6/19-6/21) and the 17th Annual China International Fair for Trade & Investment (CIFIT) (9/6-9/10) in Xiamen, China.
IIUSA continues to finalize plans for CIFIT, so make sure to REGISTER TODAY before prices go up!
In Japan, IIUSA will be taking part in a three day roadshow with the U.S. Commercial Service promoting U.S investment opportunities, including the EB-5 Program, to Japanese businesspeople. IIUSA officials will travel to Tokyo on 5/22, Nagoya on 5/23, and Osaka on 5/24 to present on the EB-5 Program. Introducing the EB-5 Program to countries that are under-performing in terms of EB-5 investor demand is an important part of IIUSA’s efforts to diversify the investor marketplace – so members can be more efficient in their marketing activities by interacting with a more educated marketplace. Japan has utilized 182 EB-5 visas since 2006, averaging 26 per year with a range of 6 (2010) to 84 (2009). In 2012, Japan used 22 visas.
IIUSA is looking forward to working closely with our partners overseas to educate the industry on the Program. Stay tuned for a full report at the end of May.
