Blog Day 1
Preparing to Celebrate 25 years of Friendship and Progress
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
When I began preparing for my trade mission to China, I received several photos from Governor Robert Orr’s visit to China 25 years ago that established Indiana’s sister-state relationship with Zhejiang province. Looking at the photos from 1987 you immediately appreciate that hair styles and fashions have changed, but one thing has not – our relationships with our business partners in China.
During our 16 hour flight across the globe to China, I found myself reflecting on Governor Orr’s foresight to recognize the potential for growth Indiana stood to gain. He certainly had a vision far beyond many others. Years later our partnership with China is strong, and there are opportunities for additional job growth and investment here in Indiana if the effort to maintain this relationship continues.
The partnership with China has brought many successes to Indiana. In the past 10 years, exports from Indiana to China have grown 554 percent. During the last couple of years, Cummins added 600 new jobs directly related to growth from the Chinese market. There has also been growth in furniture and the automotive industries, all creating jobs for Hoosiers.
As Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture, I also plan to meet with government officials from Zhejiang and Jilin provinces to discuss what agricultural products they need. Our agricultural exports to China have grown tremendously. With the population in China now exceeding 1.3 billion people, they are already importing high-quality food from Indiana. Indiana’s farmers and producers are capable of helping to feed the world.
In 1987, 25 years ago, Governor Orr might have been the only person to envision our successes today but we plan to continue moving that vision forward. If you like to see the photos of Governor Orr in China, visit my websitewww.in.gov/lg/china2012.htm. Also, on that site I’ll add my photos and videos from China.
Day 1 - Photos
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