Two high-level Chinese government officials who were set to speak on China’s economy in Atlanta this month have canceled their trip over fears related to the spread of the H1N1 virus in Georgia.
Shi Yulong, a government economist, was slated to speak on China’s macroeconomic environment in the wake of the credit crisis.
Wang Qiming, a councilor in the Chinese government’s Ministry of Science and Technology, had planned a talk on innovation and business opportunities in those fields.
Frank Zhou, president of the Chinese Business Association in Atlanta, confirmed that the forum has been canceled over fears about the virus commonly known as “swine flu.” The event was to be held at the United Parcel Service Inc. headquarters in Sandy Springs.
Lani Wong, chair of the National Association of Chinese Americans Atlanta Chapter, said that the event was unrelated to the Chinese delegation that is coming for the 2009 BIO International Convention from May 18-21.
“So far haven’t heard of anyone canceling on the BIO summit,” she told GlobalAtlanta. She has been helping Chinese delegates set up appointments with potential business partners.
As of May 15, Georgia had 24 confirmed H1N1 influenza cases, but no deaths, according to the state’s public health division.
In April, swine flu concerns caused a Taiwanese science minister to cancel his trip to the BIO convention in Atlanta.
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