Ambassador Michael Kirby, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State Department s Bureau of Consular Affairs, visited Guangzhou February 23-24 for an update on U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou s consular operations. During his stay, Ambassador Kirby met with Consul General Goldbeck and he toured the Consular Section s facilities, as well as the site of the new consulate, scheduled for completion in January 2013. Ambassador Kirby was accompanied by U.S. Embassy Beijing Consul General Linda Donahue.
Ambassador Kirby called on officials of the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, where he thanked them for their continued support for the construction of the new consulate, reaffirmed U.S. commitment to facilitate China/U.S. trade and exchange, and inquired about China's goals to implement green, energy-efficient technology. He exchanged views and ideas with U.S. and local business representatives regarding the visa process. Ambassador Kirby specifically emphasized the construction of the new consulate as an example of how the U.S. is planning and preparing to meet the growing demand for these services.
Reflecting on his visit, Ambassador Kirby noted that in 2009 almost half a million people received U.S. non-immigrant visas in China, and almost 20% were Chinese students going to study in American universities. Over 80% of those applying for visas were approved. He observed that the new electronic application system will be faster, easier, and more environmentally friendly.
Ambassador Kirby called on officials of the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, where he thanked them for their continued support for the construction of the new consulate, reaffirmed U.S. commitment to facilitate China/U.S. trade and exchange, and inquired about China's goals to implement green, energy-efficient technology. He exchanged views and ideas with U.S. and local business representatives regarding the visa process. Ambassador Kirby specifically emphasized the construction of the new consulate as an example of how the U.S. is planning and preparing to meet the growing demand for these services.
Reflecting on his visit, Ambassador Kirby noted that in 2009 almost half a million people received U.S. non-immigrant visas in China, and almost 20% were Chinese students going to study in American universities. Over 80% of those applying for visas were approved. He observed that the new electronic application system will be faster, easier, and more environmentally friendly.
