Sept. 10, 2007
King County Trade Mission to China
Global economy to provide growth opportunities for Puget Sound employers
Business owners, entrepreneurs, and local organizations are invited to take part in the King County Trade Mission to China November 9-20. The King County Office of Business Relations and Economic Development is sponsoring the Trade Mission for small to mid-sized companies, as well as area organizations and educational institutions wanting to network and explore business prospects in China's dynamic economy.
The King County Trade Mission will help facilitate commercial ties with Chinese counterparts, develop important contacts in Chinese industry and government, and gain updated information about business strategies and access to this lucrative market.
"China is the fourth-largest export market for the U.S., and one of the fastest-growing markets for U.S. goods and services," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "This trade mission will help Puget Sound businesses tap into that export market and create jobs here in the Northwest."
The King County Trade Mission coordinators have planned an intimate trip with a flexible schedule tailored to the needs of participating companies. This will allow each company to meets its key objectives and specific goals while in China – including personalized introductions to Chinese contacts and potential business partners, all in small group or individual meetings. Initial visits are set for Beijing and Shanghai, with other cities to be designated based on the specific goals of participants.
The Trade Mission will also enable regional companies to develop their international capabilities with educational sessions on intellectual property rights, import/export issues, contracting opportunities, and the nuts and bolts of freight forwarding and shipping.
China is becoming increasingly important to the Washington state economy. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, Washington is the only state in the nation to have a net trade surplus with China. Washington State also shipped more than $6.8 billion worth of exports to China in 2006, making China its No.1 export market.
Large companies such as Boeing and Microsoft already have an extensive presence in China. However, the country's booming economy and projected growth also presents opportunities for Washington's small to mid-sized companies.
"One of King County's goals is to encourage regional economic growth," Sims said. "The King County Trade Mission will do just that – by helping our area businesses find and prepare for the opportunities China presents, while addressing the challenges of growing and prospering in a new global marketplace."
To learn more about the King County Trade Mission to China, potential participants are invited to attend a special information session:
Tuesday, September 11
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
King County's Office of Business Relations and Economic Development (BRED)
701 5th Avenue, Suite 2000
For more information on additional session dates, contact Allison Clark, King County Office of Business Relations and Economic Development, at (206) 296-1939 or email: Allison.clark@metrokc.gov.
Registration and deposit deadline for participating in the King County Trade Mission to China is 5 p.m. September 25. Registration materials and other information on the Trade Mission can be found on the King County website, www.kingcounty.gov under Highlights or at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/bred/ed/export/exportsymposium.htm.