Contact:  NLGA Exec. Director Julia Hurst

T:  (859) 283-1400

Date:  August 20, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NLGA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MISSION TO CHINA TO FOCUS ON

AGRICULTURAL & COMMERCIAL TRADE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STATES

Seven lieutenant governors are travelling to China for a weeklong mission focused on agricultural and commercial opportunities for businesses in the states.  The delegation will meet with top Chinese officials, tour an industrial facility and a working farm, and will meet with Embassy officials and American business people to learn how to help maintain and open opportunities for local businesses.

The mission agenda includes tours of a working farm in Zhengzhou, the capital of China’s Henan Province, and of Cummins-Foton, a  U.S. and China company-owned diesel engine plant.  U.S. Embassy officials will brief delegates on market opportunities for businesses related to agriculture and farm equipment, with special emphasis on rice, livestock, and sustainability.     

The meetings with officials of China include:

• Mme. Li Xiaolin, Chairman & CEO of China Power International Development

Named to the 2008 Fortune Magazine International Power 50 as one of the top 50 women in the world changing the face of international business

• Mr. Wang Chao, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Commerce

Ministry is responsible to formulate policy on foreign trade and negotiate trade agreements

• Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, CEO of Orient Overseas & Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference 
• Mr. Xu Guangchun, Party Secretary of Henan Province and former head of the Administration of Radio, Film and Television

The following NLGA members are attending the mission:

North Dakota Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple, Montana Lt. Governor John Bohlinger, Minnesota Lt. Governor Carol Molnau, Arkansas Lt. Governor Bill Halter, Mississippi Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, Puerto Rico Sec. of State Ken McClintock,  and Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little.  The “lieutenant governor” in Puerto Rico holds the title Secretary of State.     

The trip is sponsored through a partnership of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China-United States Exchange Foundation, and the NLGA.  This is the second NLGA mission to China.  NLGA is also a USAID subgrant recipient for economic development work in Mexico.    

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