Pence to Lead Jobs Mission to China
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Mike Pence will leave next week for an economic development mission to China. He will lead a group of Indiana business leaders on the trip that will include meetings with Chinese companies, government leaders and potential investors.
April 27, 2015
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Governor Mike Pence will lead a delegation of Hoosier business leaders to China next month on his sixth international jobs and economic development mission as governor.
“Indiana plays a critical role in the global economy, with thousands of Hoosiers across our state going to work daily at international companies,” said Pence. “China represents the largest economy in the world. Today we see immense potential for the creation of more great jobs for Hoosiers through the strengthening of ties with our Chinese partners. Our universities and our communities already boast a thriving friendship with China, and we're looking forward to strengthening this relationship on our jobs mission next month.”
Departing Indiana on May 9 and returning on May 16, the Governor will travel to Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province, Indiana's Chinese sister-state. During the trip, he will meet with top executives from numerous Chinese companies, government leaders and potential investors, as well as host a reception in partnership with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and a reception bringing together alumni from Indiana universities in Shanghai. Additionally, Pence plans to visit Indiana companies with operations in China, including Eli Lilly and Cummins, as well as China-based Haier Group, which last fall announced plans to locate its North American Tech Center in Evansville.
Indiana counts China as its fifth largest export partner, with exports totaling $1.4 billion in 2014. China-based companies, including Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, Techtop Motor LHP, Westfield Outdoors, Nanshan America and Sutong Tire, reach all corners of the Hoosier State, from South Bend to Evansville. In addition to educational partnerships between Chinese and Hoosier higher education institutions like Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame, more than 10,000 Chinese students attend universities in the Hoosier State.
“The reach of Indiana's economy extends far beyond our borders,” said Pence. “Hoosiers can create everything from cars to medicines that are used around the world. And with Indiana's strengths in life sciences, advanced manufacturing and aerospace, we aim to make sure Chinese business leaders know that Indiana is the ideal place to grow their companies and create great Hoosier jobs.”
The cost of the state delegation is being covered through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation. In addition to Governor Pence, the state will be represented by First Lady Karen Pence and Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith.
This will be Pence's sixth international trade mission as governor. He led his first gubernatorial jobs mission to Japan in 2013, followed by economic development missions to Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Israel in 2014.
Source: Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence