DC plays role of suitor for potential investors

Yuhuang's investment into the US took the shape of a $1.85 billion methanol complex in Louisiana, by far the largest green field investment in methanol by a Chinese company in the US.

Sunday's event, however, focused on investment into the Greater Washington and mid-Atlantic region, an area that local officials said prides itself as a technology hub and real estate center.

"We've seen more than $400 million in investment in the last two years coming from China directly to Washington, DC," said Brian Kenner, deputy mayor of DC. "So we very much want to thank people for doing that and encourage them to invest more."

GWCIC plays the role of the matchmaker, exposing the Chinese investors to the vibrant economy that exists in the Washington area, and the great opportunities for investment.

"You have access to the whole country from this area," said Black. "Being the capital, every major company has an office here, every state in America has an office here, every trade association, and every country has an embassy. So just as a place to start when entering the US, it's a good place to locate and then explore the opportunities beyond."

Black said that the region has been underperforming in their pursuit of Chinese foreign direct investment, but a recent push by the public and private sectors has garnered the attention of potential investors.

"It's all about people to people. It's all about relationships, and in the past we have not done much," said Libby Garvey, chairwoman of the Arlington County Board. "I'm relatively new to the board, and clearly we've been underperforming, but now we're trying really hard to foster a relationship."

Allan Fong in Washington contributed to this story.