Blog Day 2
June 13, 2012
After a 16-hour plane ride and then a three-hour bus ride to our hotel, we finally arrived in Hangzhou. Once our feet hit the ground the work to strengthen ties with the Chinese and showcase the best Indiana has to offer began immediately.
During the Indiana Economic and Trade Exchange Summit, I was quickly reminded of why Governor Orr chose Zhejiang province to build a sister-state relationship. We share the same passion for business and agriculture. That was quickly evident as I signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to do business in Indiana, with Jiaxing Stone Wheel in Elkhart and Godeagle in Muncie.
I had time to sit down with several businesses looking to build and grow in Indiana including those whom I signed MOUs with and CHINT, a solar panel manufacturer. Mr. Cunhui Nan, chairman of CHINT, was impressed by our state's strong economic portfolio and reduced tax climate. Hopefully our strengths will position us ahead of other states when CHINT decides to make their investment in the U.S.
Madam Yang Zhisu, president of Sutong, which is Jiaxing Stone Wheel's U.S. company, met with me in my Indiana office a few months ago. They are looking to grow their Elkhart company, a manufacturer of wheels for RVs and ATVs. It was a pleasure to sit down with her again after signing our MOU to assess their wants and needs for the Elkhart expansion.
Mr. Abel, vice president of Godeagle, spent a few minutes after the MOU signing to discuss their plans for investment in Muncie. They plan to expand their garment and chemical manufacturing company to start producing corn oil for Chinese distribution.
After lunch I switched gears from companies that want to do business in Indiana to what Indiana has to offer China, and more specifically Zhejiang. I attended a joint meeting with the Zhejiang Department of Commerce. Here I reiterated to our sister-state friends that we have many outstanding agricultural products to compliment their native goods. Zhejijang is strong in honey, teas, and poultry, while Indiana ranks fifth in the U.S. in corn, soybean, and pork production. We also rank first in duck production. With their growing population hopefully the quality of our agricultural products will be a perfect fit for the people of Zhejiang.
The relationship of trading our goods and services dives deeper from the state level to the local level. I took part in a meeting between Ft. Wayne and their new sister city, Taizhou. Decatur Mayor John Schultz attended the meeting and the city intends to form an official relationship with Taizhou as well. The innovation between Ft. Wayne and Taizhou is remarkable as they've begun partnerships between their schools and hospitals as well as businesses. This collaboration at the local level will provide numerous benefits statewide.
Everything we accomplished today was a direct result of Governor Orr's foresight to enter into a relationship with Zhejiang Province and it culminated at tonight's 25th anniversary celebration of Indiana and Zhejiang's sister-state relationship. I was pleased to meet Madam Qiao, chairwoman of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People Political Consultative Conference, and discuss the strengths of our state and our relationship together. I was excited to present on behalf of Governor Mitch Daniels and all Hoosiers to Zhejiang province a five-foot tall piece of Indiana limestone that was in the shape of our state as a token of our gratitude for being such great partners over the past 25 years.
A Chinese proverb written on the limestone best illustrate tonight's celebration and our relationship with Zhejiang – “When one has a close friend in this world, the far ends of heaven are like next door." Here's to 25 more years of economic growth and friendship.
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