(Morrisville, N.C.) The Research Triangle Park’s local business advocacy organization, the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, hosted two dozen C-level executives and area business people at the Holiday Inn RDU Airport for Gary L. Clinton’s presentation, “The Dollar’s Impact on the Emergence of Asia” on Tuesday, July 20th.

Attendees networked over a catered breakfast before listening to Clinton’s interactive session detailing lessons learned from his career as an international banker.

“The dollar has played a key role in the emergence of Asia as a market. With large dollar reserves, countries can now impact the dollars value,” Clinton stated during his presentation.

Clinton described how over the years he was exposed to multiple industries including electronics, technical, and automotive, and was responsible for building relationships with multinational banking clients. He witnessed first-hand the Asian financial crisis in the 1990’s, which changed the way governments and central banks managed financials, eventually leading to a boom for foreign investors.

Asian markets have expanded recently with India and Vietnam benefiting from new investments and economic growth, Clinton explained. “China has become the most important trading partner in Asia for the United States. Although China still faces many challenges, it still presents a good investment opportunity for U.S. companies,” he said, adding, “China will also be increasing its investment activity into the U.S.”

Challenges aside, Clinton outlined how China is focusing on growth in life sciences, as evidenced by the recent establishment of the “China Medical City” in Jiangsu Province west of Shanghai.

During an interactive Q&A session, Clinton explained how businesses in RTP need to think globally, know their markets and remain open to new ideas. “In times of economic crisis, as we are seeing in the U.S., there is a trend towards protectionism; but to do business in emerging markets like China, India, and Vietnam, the U.S. must remain flexible,” he said.

Clinton’s presentation was one in a series of Economic Development Forums hosted by the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce. The organization runs a slew of educational and networking events to help member companies and assist with economic development in the Triangle. The Chamber is hosting a Business Showcase and Reverse Raffle Thursday, July 29 at the Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at RTP. For more information, visit MorrisvilleNC.com.

About the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce
The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic member-based organization that is vital to the growth, development and sustainability of the Morrisville community. Established in 1990, the Chamber strives to be a valuable resource and advocate by providing unique products and services, developing creative and informed business leaders and enhancing the economic environment for our members and the community-at-large. To learn more, visit www.MorrisvilleNC.com or contact Sharon Rosche, President, at 919-463-7159 or srosche@morrisvillenc.com.