Report from Invest in America, Guangzhou Summit

(Source:  by Carey Chambers, dragonbn.com)

American exhibitors gathered at the Grand Hyatt in Guangzhou March 19-20 to present their immigration investment opportunities to Chinese investors seeking US residency under the EB-5 program.

The EB-5 program gives wealthy individuals an expedited path to permanent residency in the US. Under the program, investors must make an investment of $1 million ($500,000 in a high unemployment or rural area) in a commercial enterprise that will employ 10 full-time US workers. Many investors choose to invest through a pre-approved "regional center," many of which where represented at this event, including Cleveland, Maryland, Gulf Coast, California, Colorado and Florida.

Several of the American exhibitors I spoke with on day one of the show said they were generally satisfied with the quantity and quality of potential Chinese investors at the event. One told me he received "about 20 good leads" in the morning though the flow of potential investors slowed after lunch.

Others expressed concern about the bureaucratic difficulties of the EB-5 program itself, suggesting it could be simpler with fewer rejected applicants.

So what kind of investment opportunities were presented in Guangzhou?

Lyfe Kitchen offered the opportunity to invest in an appealing new healthy restaurant chain backed by a former McDonald exec, a major Hollywood agent, and Oprah's personal chef.

Zenya.com presented a new technology for optimizing online keyword ad campaigns.

Numerous real estate development offers were on the table.

Perhaps the most unique investment opportunity came from UV Blood Labs, Inc. - a needle fitted with fiber optics used to transmit UV light in the blood stream to treat certain medical conditions. The innovation is currently seeking FDA approval.