News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2007

Chicago, IL -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today addressed participants of the Forum on Chinese Trade and Investment, a forum sponsored by the Council of Great Lakes Governors. Fisher praised Ohio's existing business links with China and encouraged the development of new relationships. The event was also marked by the signing of agreements between GE Aviation and major Chinese airline companies for the purchase of Ohio-made jet engines.

"The agreement between GE Aviation and major Chinese airline companies is a testament to the strong partnership between Ohio and China," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Ohio-made products continue to be recognized worldwide for their quality and dependability. I'm confident that Ohio's nearly 30-year relationship with China, and the strong reputation of Ohio's workforce and products, will continue to build our ties in the global marketplace."

The Forum on Chinese Trade and Investment attracted more than 200 government and business leaders from the Great Lakes states and the People's Republic of China. Leaders from The Council of Great Lakes Governors member states addressed the delegation, promoting their respective states for Chinese investment.

The Council of Great Lakes Governors works to encourage and facilitate environmentally responsible economic growth through a cooperative effort between the public and private sectors among the eight Great Lakes States. Through the Council, Governors work collectively to ensure that the entire Great Lakes region is both economically sound and environmentally conscious in addressing today's problems and tomorrow's challenges.

Also today in Cincinnati, Kirk Merritt, Director of the Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Division, participated in a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with Director General Liu Yajun of the China Ministry of Commerce. The Director General and a group of approximately 50 delegates are in Cincinnati to explore business opportunities between China and Ohio. The Memorandum of Understanding is a gesture, designed to encourage strong business relationships between Ohio and China.

"Ohio's reputation as a prime business location continues to attract business leaders who are eager to learn more about the investment opportunities available in our state," said Merritt. "Ohio is an outstanding location for business investment and the right place for Chinese firms to make their investments and business connections."

China is Ohio's fourth largest export market, with exports to the country growing more than five-fold since the late 1990's. Major Ohio exports to China include machinery, automotive components, medical instruments and plastics. The Ohio Department of Development has operated an international trade office in Hong Kong since 1990 and opened an international trade office in Shanghai in late 2006.

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Media contact: Maria Smith at (614) 466-2382 or msmith@odod.state.oh.us