#InvestinMI Day 1: Gov. Snyder’s investment mission to China
By: Sean Fitzgerald

The first two days of Gov. Snyder’s China trade mission were full of business meetings, roundtable discussions, and plenty of opportunities to discuss Michigan’s growing economy.
The Governor traveled to Beijing to meet with Hebei province Governor Xu Qin. They discussed business opportunities in Michigan and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further communication and cooperation between the regions related to bioscience and health, automotive, agriculture, tourism and clean energy.

Earlier that same day, Gov. Snyder met with executives from Chinese automotive companies to discuss more investment in Michigan where he highlighted Michigan’s workforce, research and development assets, and manufacturing capabilities.

On Tuesday, he participated in the Michigan-Guangdong Exchange Forum. He also took part in an investment roundtable with executives from 15 Chinese companies where he presented Michigan as an ideal location for their companies to invest and add jobs. The forum included four breakout sessions that focused on trade, agriculture, tourism and education.
“With 70 percent of global automotive research and development happening here in Michigan, and our strong manufacturing base, talent and business-friendly environment, there is no better place in North America for Chinese companies to expand than in Michigan,” Snyder said. “We are here making a strong case with every executive and government official we meet to build the foundations for long-term investment in our state, showcasing our companies’ high-quality goods and services for export, and how Michigan and China can continue to work together to explore cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”

Following the breakout session, the Governor spoke to Chinese business reporters about Michigan’s leadership in mobility and autonomous vehicle development.
The final meeting of the day was with the Guangdong Governor Ma Xingrui to celebrate the first anniversary of Michigan’s sister-state agreement with Guangdong province. This agreement was the first of its kind between Michigan and a province of China since 1982.
