Harley Seyedin, Ph.D.
VICE CHAIR
USA
Dr. Harley Seyedin is an experienced international businessman, humanitarian, philanthropist, and world-renowned China expert, who served as Vice Chairman for the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce.
Professional Experience
The American Chamber of Commerce in South China is among the most prominent and active professional organizations, operating in China. As its well-respected President for nearly 2 decades, Dr. Seyedin has led the growth of the Chamber to well over 2,000 members. Annual charitable donations exceed USD3 million raising three impoverished Chinese villages above the poverty line and saving lives of several hundred poor and orphaned children by paying for immediate life-saving medical procedures.
Under his direction since 1991, companies led by Dr. Seyedin have achieved firsts in many areas in China, including: the first majority western-owned and operated power plant; first western invested toll road; and the first US accredited joint university.
In 1991 President George Bush recognized Mr. Seyedin for his involvement with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Appointed by three governors of the State of Maryland to four terms of office he served as Chairman of Montgomery College and State Chairman of the Maryland Association of Community College Trustees.
External Appointments
Dr. Seyedin was among 228 individuals from around the world to have been nominated and subsequently shortlisted in March 2016 by the Nobel Committee for consideration for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. Other individuals considered included Pope Francis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Columbian President Juan Manuel Santos, who was ultimately awarded the prize on October 7, 2016.
Dr. Seyedin is a most recent recipient of the “Peace through Commerce Medal” originally initiated by President Jefferson in 1790. He is among less than 20 individuals to receive this Medal in the 229 years since its inception. This Medal is the highest honor awarded to a civilian individual by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Together with the Secretary of State of Cambodia, Dr. Seyedin was knighted under the Philippine act of Parliament 646, joining Dr. Henry Kissinger and King Carlos of Spain among several other recipients of this great honor. Dr. Seyedin, together with the Philippines Secretary of Health, Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, became a Sino-Philippine Asia International Peace Laureate for “his dynamic contributions to humanity.”
From 2010 to 2018 Harley served as Vice Chairman for the US – China Economic & Trade Policy of the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce.
Education
Harley holds a Doctorate from University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio, Texas.