Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined economic and cultural stakeholders from Indiana and China’s Zhejiang Province today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Indiana-Zhejiang sister-state relationship, celebrating economic, cultural and educational efforts shared between the two states.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 30 years of friendship with Zhejiang Province and reaffirm our cultural and economic ties,” Gov. Holcomb said. “It’s partnerships like this that help propel Indiana and Zhejiang to new levels, creating new business opportunities and enhancing international trade. As our future unfolds, I look forward to seeing the benefits that come from our global partnership.”
During the celebration, Gov. Holcomb and Zhejiang Party Secretary Che Jun, the highest-ranking official in the province and a member of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Congress, renewed the Indiana-Zhejiang sister-state agreement that dates back to 1987. The agreement reaffirms the Indiana-Zhejiang sister-state relationship to further enhance economic relations, encourage industrial innovation and foster cultural, educational and healthcare exchanges.
After the ceremony, government, educational and business leaders participated in a business matchmaking seminar, allowing China-based firms and Indiana companies with operations in China to strengthen trade opportunities. Guests also had the opportunity to visit a tourism exhibition, which highlighted Zhejiang’s culture and tourist destinations.
Since 2010, China-based companies have announced plans to invest $217.4 million and create more than 929 new jobs in Indiana. Earlier this year, BeijingWest Industries, Co. Ltd announced plans to locate its first U.S. production facility in Indiana, creating up to 440 new, high-wage jobs by 2021.
Indiana is home to approximately 800 foreign-owned business that provide more than 170,000 quality jobs for Indiana residents. In 2016, more than $1.7 billion in exports were sent to Chinese markets from Indiana, making the country Indiana’s fourth largest-export location in the world.