Business Leader Relays China Impressions From Recent Tour

One long-time business leader says he’s doubtful America can compete with China in the manufacturing arena, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“I don’t know that we can be [competitive] on the level that they’re at. You’ve got sweatshops that are there producing massive amounts of things,” said businessman, lobbyist and former State Rep. Ron Fuller.

Fuller was a guest on Talk Business recently discussing his November trip to China. The 10-day exchange was sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

“I came back almost not as worried. We’re going to have to do something else though, we can’t compete with that many people, with that much manufacturing of smaller things,” he said.

Fuller said he saw unmitigated pollution in many industrial settings. He described the majority of the days on his tour as hazy with smog in major cities.

“I’m not so sure that China’s not going to collapse at some point under its own weight. The price they’re paying for progress over there… it just wasn’t a pretty place environmentally.”

Fuller shared his photos and more observations on the urban and rural aspects of his tour. You can watch his full interview and view photos from the trip in the video below.