Bill Clinton may image Chinese garment brand

Home>>Business

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 14, 2003

Bill Clinton may image Chinese garment brand

A small clothing manufacturer in eastern China says it hopes to sign the former US president to represent its brand, citing his"worldwide charisma."

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Businessmen of Wenzhou may stunt the nation's business world again by offering up to US$2 million to carry out its ambition to invite former US president Bill Clinton to be its image ambassador.

Officials of Fapai Garments Enterprise Co Ltd told the Oriental Express yesterday that the two parties have reached an initial agreement for the deal and may kick off the cooperation next year.

Clinton was in China earlier this week to give a speech at a symposium convened at the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing to discuss how to fight acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

He has reportedly snatched away US$400,000 for the speech from the event's sponsor Sichuan Jiannanchun Group Co Ltd.

Fapai started with the image ambassador plan three years ago after Peng Xing, its president, emailed to the then-President Clinton in May 2000 for the invitation.

"The reason for this act is because I had learned during a visit to the Europe that Clinton may enter the entertainment sector after leaving office," he said.

But he received a White House response that the proposal may be considerable only after the President was out of office.

A half-year ago, Clinton did leave the post and Peng offered a second invitation. This time he got replay from the President's wife Hillary that the couple is anticipating a personal discussion for the matter.

Peng gifted a set of suit and accessories such as shoes and ties to Clinton this Tuesday in Beijing when having lunch with the former President.

He said Clinton was very glad about the gifts and expressed the will to visit his company in this suit in a short future. Clinton had planned to make the visit this June but canceled the trip due to the SARS outbreak, Peng said.

According to him, Clinton has basically agreed to go to Wenzhou next year and will give a speech at the Wenzhou University. On this trip, the President may visit Peng's company and sign the image ambassador contract.

"I'm not sure whether my offer is really attractive to the President, but the sum is large and reveals our sincerity," he said.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Actions needed on AIDS in China; Clinton adds weight

Jiang Zemin meets Clinton, Kissinger

China, US need to enhance exchanges, cooperation: President Hu

Is English invading Chinese culture? ( 20 Messages)

Chinese fleet visit heart of US forces in the Pacific ( 15 Messages)

Global survey: Chinese women sexiest ( 56 Messages)

Economist: China has no need to worry about possible trade deficits ( 3 Messages)

Japanese students, teacher make apology in Xi'an ( 17 Messages)

China expects to see trade deficit in near future: official ( 9 Messages)