FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today welcomed delegates of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to Ohio during an informational meeting in Columbus. Lieutenant Governor Johnson praised Ohio's existing business partnerships and investments with China and encouraged the development of new relationships.

"Ohio and China have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years, and our state continues to be an ideal location for business growth and development.," commented Johnson, who also serves as state development director. "In Ohio, we understand that to create jobs and prosperity for years to come we must effectively promote our strengths internationally. This includes building our ties with China, which is an important economic partner."

This is the second time Johnson has met with Chinese representatives to promote free and open trade since his business mission to the country in December 2005. Last month, Johnson and Ohio Governor Bob Taft met with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong to discuss opportunities to increase exports by Ohio companies.

In 2005, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was Ohio's seventh largest export market, with exports to the country more than quadrupling since the late 1990's. Major Ohio exports to the PRC include machinery, automotive components, medical instruments and plastics. In 2005, Hong Kong was Ohio's 20th largest export market, with $260 million in exports of goods. Combined, exports to the PRC and Hong Kong would equal Ohio's fourth largest export market, behind Canada, Mexico and Japan. The Ohio Department of Development has operated an international trade office in Hong Kong since 1990.