FROM EIR DAILY ALERT
Kentucky Governor in China To Boost Economic Relations
Nov. 6, 2018 (EIRNS)—Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin left for China today, heading a delegation in his administration’s first economic development and trade mission to the People’s Republic of China, for a week-long trip to build business and diplomatic connections, according to the Lane Report, a Kentucky business newsletter. His trip to China follows numerous international trips during the Bevin administration, which included a trip to England, Japan and South Korea earlier this year. In August China’s Ambassador Cui Tiankai visited Kentucky and met with Governor Bevin and various government and business leaders, said the Lane Report.
He and his delegation will include the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai on their trip, as well as a visit to Chongqing, reported China Daily.
“We currently have eight Chinese-owned facilities operating in our state. The Chinese companies currently employ about 8,700 employees in Kentucky. Our goal is always to try to increase that footprint,”
said Erran Persley, executive director of international business affairs and business development at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.
“Chinese-owned companies are already substantial employers in Kentucky, and we are excited to build upon these strong sub-national relationships with our visit to China this week,” Governor Bevin said.
“Chinese companies are emerging as economic powerhouses in a wide range of markets and, as we prove Kentucky to be a ready and willing business partner, that will mean even more jobs and foreign direct investment flowing into our state. We want Kentucky to be the first state that countries around the world think of when they choose to locate in the U.S., and we are confident that this trip will significantly further our goal.”
Bevin is accompanied by Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development executive officer Vivek Sarin and Erran Persley.
