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Global investment group unites, names new chief in Queens
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Photo courtesy of the American International Development and Innovation Association
In the latest sign of the borough’s growing importance as a global investment center, around 500 guests from around the world gathered for a gala held by a global real estate investing organization in Queens.
The American International Development & Innovation Association Inc. or AIDI’s New York City Chapter, held its gala at the Northern Gala venue in Flushing, Queens, in a 20,000-square-foot space that accommodates up to 100 tables and up to 1,000 guests.
Guests converged on the venue, complete with 14-foot-high ceilings, high-tech lighting and sound systems and a massive LED display screen.
The gala followed a lunch at Radiant LIC 19th floor, in Long Island City, before the evening event with a cocktail hour, forum, presentations and dinner with formal attire.
AIDI is a global nonprofit with 116 chapters, including many in China, along with a strong presence in the United States and New York City, focused on connecting capital, projects, and industry leaders across real estate markets.
Investors, executives, and global chapter presidents united from real estate development, investment, construction, finance, technology, international trade, AI, and robotics.
Officials attended and spoke such as Congressmembers Grace Meng, Thomas Suozzi, and Ted Lieu; Assembly Member Lester Chang; and New York Republican State Committee Chairman Edward Cox, touting the benefits of collaboration.
Founding Chairman Andy Jiang passed the torch on to newly elected Global President Bentley Zhao, CEO of New Empire Corp., who was inducted as AIDI’s new global president.
Zhao, in his inaugural speech, outlined plans to expand AIDI’s role in international real estate development, technological innovation, AI industry integration, and global resource collaboration.
“Our mission is to create a trustworthy platform where anyone can bring capital, technology, and talent to the USA,” Zhao said.
He said that by providing a “pathway for investment, innovation, and collaboration,” they hope to support a “vibrant business ecosystem, and build lasting partnerships.”
Photo courtesy of the American International Development and Innovation Association
“I hope that as we grow our membership and expand our global network,” Zhao added, “we can continue to help the U.S.A. become stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive for everyone.”
A formal recognition ceremony honored executive leaders, global chapter presidents, and New York City representatives, while a business exhibition showcased innovations in smart home technology, modular construction, and robotics.
“By facilitating cross-border partnerships and offering resources that empower our members, we aim to elevate the global real estate landscape,” the group says on its website.
The gala dinner, complete with lobster and lamb chops, included a raffle and a chance for executives from around the nation and world to network.
The group’s 116 chapters worldwide include 37 chapters in the United States, 24 in China, and 55 across other international regions.
The group says that this “extensive network enables AIDI to effectively connect local expertise with global opportunities, creating a truly cross-border ecosystem for collaboration.”
The group says this “contributes to the industry, and serves the broader community,” while “enhancing the global influence of Chinese and international real estate professionals” and supporting a more “standardized, international, and sustainable industry.”
AIDI focuses on real estate development, investment, construction, design, finance, law, and technology.
“It facilitates the execution of high-quality projects, deepens the integration of capital and industry, and cultivates a new generation of real estate leaders with global vision, professional excellence, and a strong sense of social responsibility,” the group adds.
In addition to numerous chapters in China, AIDI has a far-reaching presence in the United States, including New York City, Louisiana, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Northern and Southern California, Texas, Seattle, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Global chapters also exist in Argentina, Mexico, Guyana, Colombia, Kenya, Dubai, Malaysia, London and many other locations.
