China’s Changing Commercial Landscape on the Eve of the Summit: A Conversation with Eric Zheng

In this episode of China Field Notes, Scott Kennedy talks with Eric Zheng, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. After describing his pathway from growing up in Shanghai to working in consulting and the insurance industry, Zheng assesses China’s evolving business climate, including the challenges facing American companies, why China remains an important market and manufacturing base, and how American firms are adapting their global strategies. The discussion concludes by Zheng explaining the value of greater predictability in U.S.-China relations.

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Eric Zheng is President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and leads the Chamber in providing its members with value-added services as they grow business in China, a position he has held since 2022. Prior to joining AmCham Shanghai, Zheng had a successful career with American International Group (AIG) and held several executive positions in China that culminated in his service as President & CEO of AIG China. Before AIG, he worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce as Principal Commercial Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, responsible for marketing American products and services and assisting American companies in doing business in China. Before relocating to China in 2002, Eric worked for PwC in the U.S. as a management consultant counseling clients on market entry strategies for China.Eric is involved in a range of community service activities, including serving as Greater China Regional Chair of The Committee of 100, founding board member of Make-A-Wish Shanghai, academic advisor for the Insurance Master’s Program at Fudan University, and as a member of the Advisor Board, NYU Stern -- NYU Shanghai Master of Science Programs.