Lt. Governor Details Successes of China Trade Mission
FORT WAYNE – One week after returning from a successful trade mission to China, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman today discussed some successes from the agricultural jobs and investment visit.
“For the entire delegation, this trip exceeded all our expectations,” Lt. Governor Skillman said. “We are making important in-roads in China, and Indiana is ahead of the pack competing for future Chinese jobs and investment.”
As has been the case in each of Lt. Governor Skillman’s three previous foreign trade missions, some deals were made on the spot. Last week, Weaver Popcorn announced a strategic partnership with Stellar Cinema Group. Weaver will supply Stellar with popcorn as they expand from 100 to 300 Chinese theaters over the next year.
Another immediate success was Logansport-based Cole Hardwood. Cole officials sold six containers of Indiana lumber to Chinese businesses and established partnerships that could turn into one of their biggest clients.
“This trade mission was very beneficial to us and helped us reach customers we may not have connected with without the support of the state,” Cole Hardwood President Milton Cole said.
Several other leads have developed from this trade mission, including both potential export deals and jobs and investment opportunities in Indiana. Commodity groups that gained good leads from this mission include soybean, poultry, beef, and pork.
“We found many opportunities waiting for us in China,” Lt. Governor Skillman said, “and we will continue to work with our new friends to help these relationships and business deals mature.”
Lt. Gov. Skillman on Inside Indiana Business June 18, 2010
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