Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other visiting dignitaries last week, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and four other state leaders discussed a number of mutually beneficial economic development opportunities.
“There are many ways we can work together,” Snyder said. “We certainly have much to offer in terms of quality products that are grown, built or designed here. And we have a workforce known for its talents and innovation – qualities companies consider when they look for places to grow and invest.”
Snyder joined Govs. Terry Branstad of Iowa, Oregon’s Kate Brown, Jerry Brown of California and Washington’s Jay Inslee to meet Xi and a group of Chinese governors. The delegation included Sichuan Party Secretary Wang Dongming, Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun, Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan, Zhejiang Governor Li Qiang, Shandong Gov. Guo Shuqing and Shaanxi Gov. Lou Qinjian.
In addition to the governors, the meetings featured a number of U.S. business leaders who discussed common areas of interest, such as the promotion of energy efficiency in buildings and industries, commercialization and deployment of clean and renewable energy technologies, smart and modernized electrical grids, and clean transportation options.
Snyder recently returned from his own trip to China where he met with government and business leaders to discuss opportunities to sell more Michigan-made goods overseas, spark Chinese investment in the state and promote Michigan as a tourism destination. It was his fifth investment missions to China.
“We can take pride in Michigan’s efforts to build strong relationships with China,” he said.