Governor Eric J. Holcomb concluded his inaugural economic development trip to China today after meeting with government officials and business leaders in Shanghai, China’s most populous city.
“Our time in China was incredibly productive and inspired further ideas for partnerships and collaboration,” Gov. Holcomb said. “I’m more than optimistic about the potential for future business investments as well as cultural and academic exchanges between Indiana and China. We were warmly received everywhere we traveled, underscoring the point that this was the perfect time for our visit to broaden and deepen our relations.”
The delegation hosted a Friends of Indiana luncheon in Shanghai with U.S. Consul General Sean Stein and leadership of Indiana-based Faegre Baker Daniels, which has an office in Shanghai. During the event, Gov. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger addressed approximately 80 attendees representing U.S. and Chinese economic partners and prospective companies, highlighting the state’s largest business sectors, commitment to innovation and competitive business climate.
The Governor also met with U.S. Consul General Stein to learn more about Shanghai’s business climate, how Indiana can continue to support its 21 Chinese business establishments, and new areas of potential economic growth between Indiana and China.
Gov. Holcomb and the delegation met with Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang to highlight Indiana’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Shanghai business leaders and government officials. As a global financial, innovation and technology, and transport hub, Shanghai is China’s biggest city by gross domestic product, according to CEIC Data.
This concludes the delegation’s trip to China, following visits to Beijing and Zhejiang Province last week. While in China, the Governor was joined by Naomi Kwang, attorney and president of the America China Society of Indiana (ACSI); Colin Renk, executive director of ACSI; Harrison Ding, chairman of ACSI; as well as Weilin Long, director of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s office in Hangzhou, China.