Steve Van Andel, the newly elected chairman of the US Chamber of Commerce's board of directors, has a global business vision and is an advocate of greater economic cooperation between China and the United States.

Van Andel is also chairman of international direct-selling giant Amway. This is his second stint for the one-year term as US chamber chief. His first ended in 2002. "I'm a very strong proponent of more businesses getting involved around the globe," Van Andel said.

"It doesn't matter the size of the business — small, medium, or large. Promoting trade in any part of the world will continue to be a top priority of mine."