BEIJING,
China (Nov. 16, 2005) – In the heart of one of the world’s largest
consumer markets and one largely untapped by foreign importers, more than
40 California companies and employers showcased their products and
services today at a glamorous trade show and reception organized by the
California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth.
The
Made in California Expo and Reception at the Kerry Centre Hotel drew
hundreds of Chinese guests eager to sample all the best things that
California has to offer, including food and wine, a wide variety of
consume and commercial goods and even a fashion show highlighting some of
the state’s top designers.
The trade
show is one of numerous trade promotion events the Jobs Commission is
helping produce as part of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s six-day trade
mission to China, which includes scheduled stops in Beijing, Shanghai and
Hong Kong. In a special guest appearance at the event, Governor
Schwarzenegger applauded the participants and encouraged guests to explore
all that California has to offer.
“What
you’ll find here are some of the best products, technology, environmental
systems, and highest quality agricultural products,” the Governor said.
“They are all made in California and made for the world.”
China
is home to more than 1 billion people and yet 80 percent of its gross
domestic product derives from its exports. However, with its rapidly
growing economy, its steady opening of markets and the emergence of a new
middle class, the prospects for growing California’s export trade to China
are immense.
Already,
China is California’s fourth largest and fastest-growing trade partner.
Last year, China imported nearly $7 billion of California goods and
services, an almost 25 percent increase over the previous year.
“As China
enters the world economy and opens its doors to increased trade,
California is ready to meet its needs,” said Mark Mosher, executive
director of the Jobs Commission. “California boasts some of the highest -
quality products and services in the world. And having someone of
international celebrity like Governor Schwarzenegger pitching for us
doesn’t hurt a bit.”
Among the
employers on display at the trade show are:
• Aeros,
a lighter-than-air aircraft manufacturer that is looking to sell its
blimps to China for advertising, security and other purposes.
• EDAW,
an environmental engineering firm that is helping design a number of the
facilities for the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Beijing.
• Girard
Wines, a Napa Valley producer of upscale wines.
• The
Strawberry Commission, representing growers who are eager for entry into
China’s marketplace.
• Wilden
Pumps, an industrial pump manufacturer that sells its equipment in China.
• The
California Travel and Tourism Commission, representing hundreds of
tourism-related companies eager to attract Chinese visitors to the Golden
State.
“Having
this kind of stage in a place like China is amazing and not something that
a small company like ours can produce on its own,” said Igor Pasternak,
president of Aeros Worldwide. “Being able to meet and build relationships
with Chinese businesses and consumers will help us compete here and grow
in California.”
The
California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth
is an
independent, nonprofit economic development organization that promotes
California goods and services to the world and works to create jobs for
Californians. For more information about the Jobs Commission, visit
www.4cajobs.com.
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