San Francisco, CA – Reaffirming the trade relationship between California and China in light of the nation’s strained economic relationship with the Trump Administration, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) will lead a trade mission to China in partnership with the Bay Area Council. China is California’s third largest export market, totaling more than $16 billion in 2018.
“During times of tension between the United States and Chinese governments, it is more important than ever for California to bolster its trade relationship with China,” said Ting. “I am proud to lead a delegation of business leaders and local officials, representing diverse California industries and communities, to China. Together, we will showcase that California remains open for business and committed to strengthening its economic ties with all trade partners.”
The 27-person delegation will visit the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing next week. In each city, Ting will lead conversations with local Chinese government and business leaders through trade and investment forums.
The focal point of the trip will be the second China International Import Exposition (CIIE), led by President Xi Jinping in Shanghai. Last year, the CIIE attracted 400,000 Chinese buyers that purchased more than $57 billion in goods and services with over 139 countries attending. California was the only United States government entity at the event. This year, the Bay Area Council has procured a large Pavilion for California companies to promote products to Chinese buyers.
Ting is the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Asia/California Trade and Investment Promotion. The goal of the Select Committee is to foster mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships for California.
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