Day 1
HANGZHOU, CHINA – Indiana’s agricultural trade delegation began their official itinerary in China today, with Lt. Governor Becky Skillman addressing both a conference held by the Zhejiang Commerce Department and one hosted by Zhejiang’s Director General of Agriculture. Lt. Governor Skillman made the case that Indiana is well-positioned to help meet the growing needs of the Chinese population.
“China is an economic power with a large population, but a relatively small amount of arable land,” Lt. Governor Skillman said. “Meanwhile, Hoosier farmers are producing enough high-quality goods to provide for both Indiana and the international community.”
China is the fourth largest purchaser of Indiana agricultural products behind Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Of the $3.77 billion in agricultural goods Indiana exported in 2008, nearly $700 million went to China. These exports support more than 24,000 Hoosier jobs both on and off the farm.
At the Zhejiang-Indiana Agricultural Conference, members of the Hoosier delegation interacted with nearly 20 Chinese agriculture companies looking to do business with Indiana.
To close the day, the delegation attended a welcome banquet hosted by the Zhejiang Foreign Affairs Department.
Indiana and Zhejiang began a sister-state relationship in 1987 under the leadership of Governor Robert Orr. Zhejiang’s provincial capital – Hangzhou – has been the sister city of Indianapolis since 2008.
This is Lt. Governor Skillman’s fourth international trade mission since assuming office in 2005. Her trips to Central America in 2005, Taiwan and Vietnam in 2006, and Mexico in 2008 have led to business deals for multiple agriculture industries. This mission has been paid for entirely through private donations.
Day 1 Photos
Day 1 Blog Post
In a country the size of China, it's amazing to think Governor Orr had the foresight 23 years ago to establish a sister-state relationship with a province as beautiful as Hangzhou. As we drove around West Lake (a famous fresh water lake located in historical Zhejiang province), I couldn't help but note the sprawling hills and incredible number of mature trees that line the streets of Zhejiang.
Joe Kelsay from the state’s department of agriculture and I were talking this afternoon on our ride over to our dinner banquet about the many similarities between Indiana and Zhejiang. Hangzhou (Indianapolis' sister city) is Zhejiang's capital and a modern marketplace. In the outlining areas of Zhejiang, you see farmers tending to their fields, raising ducks and fish.
Our first full day on the ground was extremely busy, but productive. We began the day with an introduction and itinerary review with our hosts in Zhejiang Provincial Government and ended the day with a formal banquet hosted by the Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Department.
Jet-lag was not an option for our delegation. We did have one delegate get a little sleepy during our 15 minute break to change clothes before dinner. Fortunately after a "wake-up call" we were all back together and headed for a memorable 12-course meal.
I'd have to say it was the first time I've tried bamboo root soup, and it wasn't half bad! For those of you who read the blog yesterday, I'll note the bamboo roots were not imported from the Hoosier State.
I have learned over the years, including three previous trade missions, that seeking investment from companies -- particularly foreign companies -- is a lot closer to a marriage proposal than asking someone out on a date. These deals are based on mutual respect and long-term relationships, not typically quick decisions. The Chinese culture places great emphasis on building and maintaining these relationships. You have to show a commitment and a willingness to adapt that cannot be faked.
My official host in Hangzhou is Mr. Peng Bo from the Zhejiang FAD. He was just in my office in the Statehouse in March. And everywhere we go, we hear positive comments about Governor Mitch's trade mission here last fall. The Indiana-Chinese relationship is certainly blossoming.
After an action packed day (most of us still recovering from our 14 hour flight), I think it's time to sign off for now. I'm looking forward to bragging about Purdue University’s accomplishments tomorrow as we visit several education institutions.
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