There is nothing to suggest Harley Seyedin is cautiously optimistic about doing business in Guangzhou. The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Guangdong is an unambiguous bull.
'Business is great,' he says. 'Our members' biggest challenge seems to be finding an opportunity in the market, rather than overcoming obstacles to get in.'
It is little wonder Mr Seyedin exudes confidence: he presides over the fastest-growing AmCham chapter worldwide. Membership is up to 806 corporations and individuals, from just 260 in January last year. Moreover, three quarters of members who took part in a survey last year say not only are they generally content with the business environment, but they see the Pearl River Delta as their preferred investment destination in China.
Mr Seyedin, a 14-year veteran of Guangzhou, credits a flexible regulatory regime. 'The government's character and capability has changed a lot in the past five years,' he says. 'The leadership is younger, with more international education and experience. Over the past 18 months, we have really felt that officials are reaching out to us. Our members get good access, and sometimes even the governor gets personally involved.'
But aren't there problems? 'We have a handful of cases every year where a member needs help, but it's usually related to investment issues which are easily cleared up with a bit of communication.'
The issue of power shortages brings a slight frown. 'Yes, that is a problem. But it's not like it took anyone by surprise here, and it's not something the local government can do a lot about. It's a national issue, because the central government controls the approval process for investment in energy projects.'