that is such great news i'm about to crap in my pants. 
JCity wrote:that is such great news i'm about to crap in my pants.
i already diarrhea-ed
umm ok, now back to reality. it's much too early in discussions to poop in your pants like a kindergartner.
innov8ion wrote:umm ok, now back to reality. it's much too early in discussions to poop in your pants like a kindergartner.
Innov8ion I always respect your realist idealism, but we have to be happy that for the first time in Missouri's history we have reached out to the international world and thats what makes cities like New York, LA, Chicago, Miami, and San Fran so great. St. Louis reached out before the rest of the international community with Kosovo/Bosnia incident in the early 90s and look at what the Bosnians have done to the South City/County area. I think one of the things thats going to make St. Louis a better city in the future is more cultural diversity whether through business or immigration.
Innov8ion I always respect your realist idealism, but we have to be happy that for the first time in Missouri's history we have reached out to the international world and thats what makes cities like New York, LA, Chicago, Miami, and San Fran so great.
This is not "the first time in Missouri's history" that the state has reached out to "the international world." The state's department of economic development -- and regional and trade groups -- do this all the time.
Although we could certainly do better (the state only ranks 25th or 26th), the Department of Commerce ranks Missouri as one of the country's fastest growing exporters of goods.
Would definitely say that into today's global economy you have to make these trips to even have a chance at something. I also think Rod & Daley beat Blunt & Slay in making this trip by a few years. I could be mistaken. We definitely need to do a better job of thinking ahead. At same time, their should be a thata boy for having a group like this come together to promote the region.
I also think this is what you have to do when you built a new billion dollar runway. Time for our leaders to hustle some business for a non-congested airport located in the heart of the good ol US. A new Mississippi River crossing on the way helps sells the access after you landed that plane.
I also think this is what you have to do when you built a new billion dollar runway. Time for our leaders to hustle some business for a non-congested airport located in the heart of the good ol US. A new Mississippi River crossing on the way helps sells the access after you landed that plane.
thanks goat, i think it's nice that you notice that about me. i was just teasing about the silly antics, ya know. i wasn't pooh-poohing the opportunity by any stretch of the imagination. i'm very much cheering them on.goat314 wrote:innov8ion wrote:umm ok, now back to reality. it's much too early in discussions to poop in your pants like a kindergartner.
Innov8ion I always respect your realist idealism, but we have to be happy that for the first time in Missouri's history we have reached out to the international world and thats what makes cities like New York, LA, Chicago, Miami, and San Fran so great.
Beats the crap out of sitting around while all the other states get the business.
Check this out guys.
Missouri's exports to China are a key to the state's economic growth
By Edward Monserand John Frisbie
03/16/2008
American factories, companies and farmers are on track this year to pass the $1 trillion mark in annual manufacturing exports, $500 trillion in service exports and $100 billion in agricultural exports, according to the Commerce Department.
Those stunning numbers, often overlooked in media reports, represent a steady and healthy pattern of growth.
In the last five years, manufacturing exports have doubled, and services and agricultural exports have both risen more than 50 percent. While we still import far more than we export, there is little doubt that our economy, and millions of workers, benefit greatly from our role as one of the world's leading exporters.
It also may come as a surprise to many that China — yes, the China from which we import so much — is now the third-largest, and fastest-growing, U.S. export market, up from $28.4 billion five years ago to $65.2 billion in 2007.
Advertisement
If you add exports to Hong Kong, a through point for goods going to China, the number swells to $85.4 billion. And U.S.-China Business Council surveys of members show that this trend should continue this year.
For Missouri, trade data for 2007 show that exports to China increased 32 percent to more than $1 billion from 2006.
At a time of great concern over the performance of the U.S. economy — and despite our large trade deficit with the world — our success in exporting stands out as a source of strength. We need to take care both to nurture export growth and to avoid actions that could undermine this remaining area of stability in an otherwise uncertain economic landscape.
When it comes to China, that means we need to encourage China's leadership, which is in the midst of an important period of change, to continue on its course of opening the country's economy, a course that has led to that country's unprecedented economic growth and more demand for U.S. products.
China's leader, Hu Jintao, has signaled clearly that his goal is to spread the impact of that growth from the country's coastal region to its interior, which so far has shared far fewer of the fruits of change. This could offer new opportunities for U.S. businesses to expand their sales there, encouraging an even greater level of exports to China, which supports jobs here in the United States.
The trade relationship with China has its problems, and we need to engage China to address our differences. But legislative proposals to slap China with tariffs — and inflict collateral damage on ourselves with resulting higher prices at home and potential loss of exports (and jobs) in retaliation — are likely to be counterproductive.
U.S. policy, through a combination of smart dialogue, the deft use of existing U.S. trade law, and actions at the World Trade Organization when appropriate, has begun to shift the ground in the U.S.-China economic relationship, as evidenced in part by the significant increase in U.S. exports and steady appreciation of China's currency.
China's yuan has strengthened 14 percent since this issue became a focus of bilateral talks. The rate of growth has accelerated over time and so far this year has moved up at an annualized rate of 10 percent.
The U.S. has much to gain by encouraging China to act in its own interests by continuing financial sector reforms and development of a social safety net, spurring domestic consumption, allowing greater market influences over the yuan exchange rate, and further opening up its economy to foreign investors, exporters, and service providers.
While attention in the coming months is likely to focus on the Olympic Games and on the trade imbalance with China, we have much to lose if the underlying benefits of the trade relationship are overlooked and ill-advised legislative actions disrupt the positive impact of exports on the U.S. economy — just when we are searching for a much-needed stimulus.
Missouri's exports to China are a key to the state's economic growth
By Edward Monserand John Frisbie
03/16/2008
American factories, companies and farmers are on track this year to pass the $1 trillion mark in annual manufacturing exports, $500 trillion in service exports and $100 billion in agricultural exports, according to the Commerce Department.
Those stunning numbers, often overlooked in media reports, represent a steady and healthy pattern of growth.
In the last five years, manufacturing exports have doubled, and services and agricultural exports have both risen more than 50 percent. While we still import far more than we export, there is little doubt that our economy, and millions of workers, benefit greatly from our role as one of the world's leading exporters.
It also may come as a surprise to many that China — yes, the China from which we import so much — is now the third-largest, and fastest-growing, U.S. export market, up from $28.4 billion five years ago to $65.2 billion in 2007.
Advertisement
If you add exports to Hong Kong, a through point for goods going to China, the number swells to $85.4 billion. And U.S.-China Business Council surveys of members show that this trend should continue this year.
For Missouri, trade data for 2007 show that exports to China increased 32 percent to more than $1 billion from 2006.
At a time of great concern over the performance of the U.S. economy — and despite our large trade deficit with the world — our success in exporting stands out as a source of strength. We need to take care both to nurture export growth and to avoid actions that could undermine this remaining area of stability in an otherwise uncertain economic landscape.
When it comes to China, that means we need to encourage China's leadership, which is in the midst of an important period of change, to continue on its course of opening the country's economy, a course that has led to that country's unprecedented economic growth and more demand for U.S. products.
China's leader, Hu Jintao, has signaled clearly that his goal is to spread the impact of that growth from the country's coastal region to its interior, which so far has shared far fewer of the fruits of change. This could offer new opportunities for U.S. businesses to expand their sales there, encouraging an even greater level of exports to China, which supports jobs here in the United States.
The trade relationship with China has its problems, and we need to engage China to address our differences. But legislative proposals to slap China with tariffs — and inflict collateral damage on ourselves with resulting higher prices at home and potential loss of exports (and jobs) in retaliation — are likely to be counterproductive.
U.S. policy, through a combination of smart dialogue, the deft use of existing U.S. trade law, and actions at the World Trade Organization when appropriate, has begun to shift the ground in the U.S.-China economic relationship, as evidenced in part by the significant increase in U.S. exports and steady appreciation of China's currency.
China's yuan has strengthened 14 percent since this issue became a focus of bilateral talks. The rate of growth has accelerated over time and so far this year has moved up at an annualized rate of 10 percent.
The U.S. has much to gain by encouraging China to act in its own interests by continuing financial sector reforms and development of a social safety net, spurring domestic consumption, allowing greater market influences over the yuan exchange rate, and further opening up its economy to foreign investors, exporters, and service providers.
While attention in the coming months is likely to focus on the Olympic Games and on the trade imbalance with China, we have much to lose if the underlying benefits of the trade relationship are overlooked and ill-advised legislative actions disrupt the positive impact of exports on the U.S. economy — just when we are searching for a much-needed stimulus.
The falling dollar means American products are cheaper to buy overseas. This trend should continue for several years, at least.
That and potentially more manufacturing work outsourced here. Perhaps even knowledge work if young people stop being so lazy and study their math and science. That's why opening up H-1B visas may be important after the elections.
Funny, you could say the same thing about the U.S.China's leader, Hu Jintao, has signaled clearly that his goal is to spread the impact of that growth from the country's coastal region to its interior, which so far has shared far fewer of the fruits of change.
From MayorSlay.com:
Link: http://www.mayorslay.com/desk/display.asp?deskID=947
St. Louis is the second largest inland port in the US; the third largest rail commerce center; and the intersection of four major interstate highways. Within 600 miles (a day’s truck drive) of the Arch are more than a third of the country’s population, workers, gross domestic product, and disposable income – and almost half of the country’s manufacturing employment.
Lambert Airport has three parallel, all-weather runways and is adjacent to more than a thousand acres of developable ground. Nearby Mid-America Airport has parallel runways of 8K and 10K, and 900 acres of land around it. Compared to, say, Chicago (hundreds of miles further north of the country’s center), St. Louis’ airports offer fewer congestion- and weather-related delays – and, consequently, lower costs.
It is a simple economic reality that more and more US goods will be going to China over the next several decades. An airfreight hub in St. Louis makes perfect sense.
Link: http://www.mayorslay.com/desk/display.asp?deskID=947
I love Slays optimism, I hope this gets done. It does seem to be a no brainer, St. Louis should have been a major hub years ago.
I hope St. Louis comes up with a plan for port improvement/expansion. Other ports around the country are expanding and growing and I think to stay competitive, St. Louis' port needs to grow smart as well.
- 2,932
What I consider most important with this is that we all consider the potential scale of China’s needs for seamless importing and exporting of goods.
We are engaging in what is forecasted to be the largest growing and advancing capitalistic economy on the planet, with 1.3 billion people total. Most of these consumers are city-based, with the majority based upon the Eastern seaboard but also includes incredibly large cities in the interior. While the next wave of planned modernization, according to Chinese central planning, is for the interior, the total amount of consumers will jump, as cities like Chengdu reap the benefits of globalized economics. In other words, within the next ten years, 200 million new consumers are going to be in play, as well as having these areas house expansion of US-based multinational corporations.
How big is a Chinese city? I was on a highway driving through Shanghai in the summer of 2006. For a solid hour on the highway, we didn’t go a second without passing a tall building amid density. Comparatively, it made New York feel small.
The amount of goods to be shipped, therefore, will be in equal weight to the growth of the market, which can be expected to continue growing at a rate on parallel to the continued advancement of the Chinese economic model. With this, the US can expect China to become its most important long-term strategic trading partner.
Therefore, to ship in all these goods by air, China will need exactly what StL has to offer:
- Location.
- Established capable work force.
- Business environment that already is working extensively within China.
- Temperate climate with few major weather-related delays at airports.
- A pre-established business cluster for long-term logistical operations.
- Available real estate for expansion.
- A secondary full airport location nearby to handle emergency overflow, expansion, and dedicated capacity. (i.e.: Mid-America)
The Lambert W-1W runway could be partially dedicated to this market segment, with ancillary real estate able to handle build-out to support the necessary business establishment and ease of shipping transfer. A secondary base of operations could also be set up with Mid-America for overflow, receiving for Southern IL a lucky break from the efforts of the MO politicians and assorted interested parties.
What this means:
1. Establishment of a solid governmental relationship leading to streams of business development.
2. An absolute ton of new tax dollars for the City (still has dominion over Lambert), the County (where the ancillary development would be), and the State.
3. Increased exposure to the StL business community, including MNCs already working with China (such as Emerson, A-B, and Monsanto).
4. Furthering of the StL Metro Area as a central destination for logistics in the US and as a center for international goods receipt.
Or: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull in amazingly ridiculous amounts of money from the world’s largest and one of its fastest-growing economy, with new city revenue streams in the millions. It's potentially such a big number that I'm hesitant to even just guess at it.
These negotiations are going to be taking place for quite a while, and we can't expect anything big to be announced anytime soon. However, as this builds with time, the scale will emerge. That StL is being courted by Beijing for this bears well that Lambert could be more than just an airport for receipt of goods but for the area to be a long-term strategic partner for East Asian globalized capitalism.
We are engaging in what is forecasted to be the largest growing and advancing capitalistic economy on the planet, with 1.3 billion people total. Most of these consumers are city-based, with the majority based upon the Eastern seaboard but also includes incredibly large cities in the interior. While the next wave of planned modernization, according to Chinese central planning, is for the interior, the total amount of consumers will jump, as cities like Chengdu reap the benefits of globalized economics. In other words, within the next ten years, 200 million new consumers are going to be in play, as well as having these areas house expansion of US-based multinational corporations.
How big is a Chinese city? I was on a highway driving through Shanghai in the summer of 2006. For a solid hour on the highway, we didn’t go a second without passing a tall building amid density. Comparatively, it made New York feel small.
The amount of goods to be shipped, therefore, will be in equal weight to the growth of the market, which can be expected to continue growing at a rate on parallel to the continued advancement of the Chinese economic model. With this, the US can expect China to become its most important long-term strategic trading partner.
Therefore, to ship in all these goods by air, China will need exactly what StL has to offer:
- Location.
- Established capable work force.
- Business environment that already is working extensively within China.
- Temperate climate with few major weather-related delays at airports.
- A pre-established business cluster for long-term logistical operations.
- Available real estate for expansion.
- A secondary full airport location nearby to handle emergency overflow, expansion, and dedicated capacity. (i.e.: Mid-America)
The Lambert W-1W runway could be partially dedicated to this market segment, with ancillary real estate able to handle build-out to support the necessary business establishment and ease of shipping transfer. A secondary base of operations could also be set up with Mid-America for overflow, receiving for Southern IL a lucky break from the efforts of the MO politicians and assorted interested parties.
What this means:
1. Establishment of a solid governmental relationship leading to streams of business development.
2. An absolute ton of new tax dollars for the City (still has dominion over Lambert), the County (where the ancillary development would be), and the State.
3. Increased exposure to the StL business community, including MNCs already working with China (such as Emerson, A-B, and Monsanto).
4. Furthering of the StL Metro Area as a central destination for logistics in the US and as a center for international goods receipt.
Or: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull in amazingly ridiculous amounts of money from the world’s largest and one of its fastest-growing economy, with new city revenue streams in the millions. It's potentially such a big number that I'm hesitant to even just guess at it.
These negotiations are going to be taking place for quite a while, and we can't expect anything big to be announced anytime soon. However, as this builds with time, the scale will emerge. That StL is being courted by Beijing for this bears well that Lambert could be more than just an airport for receipt of goods but for the area to be a long-term strategic partner for East Asian globalized capitalism.
Good News In the Wake of the BPV Debacle, Hopefully We Dont Screw This Up
Agreement reached to explore increasing trade between Missouri and China
Marshall Griffin, KWMU
JEFFERSON CITY, MO (2008-03-26) Governor Matt Blunt says an agreement has been reached that has the potential to turn St. Louis into a trade hub between the state of Missouri and China.
Blunt made the announcement from Beijing, where he, senators Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill, and other state officials and business representatives are spending the week.
He says the Chinese government will send a team to St. Louis to explore export opportunities.
"We talked a great deal about a very specific target of increasing exports from Missouri to China by at least 50% over the next three years," Blunt said.
Blunt added that the Show Me State currently exports about a billion dollars worth of goods to China per year.
"The two areas that we are focusing on as we look to increase exports are high-tech manufacturing, and (Chinese officials are) aware of Missourians' skill in high-tech manufacturing, and agriculture...beef would be one example," Blunt said.
The agreement will also explore the possibility of Lambert International Airport becoming a hub for Air China.
Agreement reached to explore increasing trade between Missouri and China
Marshall Griffin, KWMU
JEFFERSON CITY, MO (2008-03-26) Governor Matt Blunt says an agreement has been reached that has the potential to turn St. Louis into a trade hub between the state of Missouri and China.
Blunt made the announcement from Beijing, where he, senators Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill, and other state officials and business representatives are spending the week.
He says the Chinese government will send a team to St. Louis to explore export opportunities.
"We talked a great deal about a very specific target of increasing exports from Missouri to China by at least 50% over the next three years," Blunt said.
Blunt added that the Show Me State currently exports about a billion dollars worth of goods to China per year.
"The two areas that we are focusing on as we look to increase exports are high-tech manufacturing, and (Chinese officials are) aware of Missourians' skill in high-tech manufacturing, and agriculture...beef would be one example," Blunt said.
The agreement will also explore the possibility of Lambert International Airport becoming a hub for Air China.
Lambert has 100+ acres, adjacent to its new runway, ripe for development. I say, GIVE THEM, tax free, to an exporting company for some type of terminal/cargo facility. Obviously, I'm not in this business, but you get the idea.
Gone Corporate wrote:
Therefore, to ship in all these goods by air, China will need exactly what StL has to offer:
- Location.
- Established capable work force.
- Business environment that already is working extensively within China.
- Temperate climate with few major weather-related delays at airports.
- A pre-established business cluster for long-term logistical operations.
- Available real estate for expansion.
- A secondary full airport location nearby to handle emergency overflow, expansion, and dedicated capacity. (i.e.: Mid-America)
Good points, but don't we have one of the most diverse climates in the entire country?
- Temperate climate with few major weather-related delays at airports.
Current Air China International Route Map
![]()
JCity wrote:Lambert has 100+ acres, adjacent to its new runway, ripe for development. I say, GIVE THEM, tax free, to an exporting company for some type of terminal/cargo facility. Obviously, I'm not in this business, but you get the idea.
I agree if the leaders cant sell this what can they do. St. Louis is probably the most centralized large metro in the country, at the convergence of America's two largest rivers, underutilized airports, connections to several major interstates with light traffic, low cost of living. Come on St. Louis don't let local politicians drop the ball on this one.
More Detail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Contact: Nanci Gonder, 573-751-0290
Gov. Blunt, China's Investment Promotion Agency and Trade Development Bureau Sign Agreement to Promote Missouri Trade
Blunt-Bond-McCaskill Leading Successful Trade Mission to China
BEIJING—Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt today signed an agreement with the Investment Promotion Agency and the Trade Development Bureau, on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce, that could make St. Louis a new transportation hub for trade with China and increase exports between Missouri and China. The memorandum of understanding document was signed following a series of meetings with Chinese officials led by Gov. Blunt and U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill. The governor and senators this week are leading a bipartisan delegation of government, business and civic leaders from the St. Louis area on a trade mission to China.
“Missouri workers are the most productive employees in the world, and I am pleased to promote our state's workforce around the globe,” Gov. Blunt said. “This agreement is a result of our meetings with the Vice Minister of Commerce and promises to foster a long and beneficial relationship between Missouri and China that will open new markets for Missouri-made products, generate more opportunities for Missouri workers, and showcase the countless benefits of doing business in and with our state.”
“The creation of a Sino-American import-export hub in St. Louis will mean hundreds of new jobs for Missourians and just makes economic, commercial, cultural, political and strategic sense,” U.S. Sen. Kit Bond said. “By improving trade between our countries, we can create jobs here at home for Missourians and a more sustainable and long-term relationship that benefits the U.S. and our strategic interests.”
“This is an important milestone toward leveling the playing field for trade with China,” U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said. “I’m happy to be working in a bipartisan way to enhance the opportunity to export manufactured goods and agricultural products from Missouri, which will help our economy and create jobs here at home.”
The memorandum of understanding agreement outlines ways to strengthen the relationship between China and Missouri through new initiatives in trade and economic development. Calling St. Louis “the traditional center of the United States,” it says St. Louis “can serve as an important center for expanding two-way exchanges and investment between China, Missouri, and the Midwest.” It also says “Lambert St. Louis International Airport can become a potential center for Chinese airfreight and passenger flights.”
The memorandum of understanding also states that a delegation of the Ministry of Commerce will visit Missouri to review and assess the opportunities for expanding trade and investment promotion activities in agriculture, high-tech equipment and other manufactured goods, financial services, manufacturing, parts assembly, and real estate. It calls for continuing efforts to “foster a long-term, friendly and cooperative relationship and to develop a healthy partnership between China, Missouri, and the Midwest region of the United States.”
Joining Gov. Blunt and U.S. Senators Bond and McCaskill on the trade mission and for the meetings that resulted in the signing of the memorandum of understanding include: U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan; St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay; St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley; and former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Midwest U.S.-China Association and was invited by Gov. Blunt. Business leaders include Richard C. D. Fleming, president and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association (RCGA); David L. Steward, chairman and CEO of World Wide Technology; and executives with Pfizer, Peabody Energy, Unigroup, McEagle Properties, the World Trade Center St. Louis, and Lambert St. Louis International Airport.
“This is an outstanding agreement for the whole St. Louis area,” St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said. “Our goal is to create good paying jobs in St. Louis. China’s interest is in developing the St. Louis area as a major point of access for trade in the United States. We believe we have taken an important step toward the goals of both sides.”
The RCGA’s Fleming commented: “We have shown the Chinese that the St. Louis area’s role and position in the United States -- embodied in our region’s brand, ‘Perfectly Centered. Remarkably Connected’ -- make us a natural hub as they seek to expand their trade with the U.S., especially our exports. The St. Louis area is at the center of a 20-state global market that accounts for 43 percent of the U.S. population, 40 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, and 40 percent of U.S. agriculture. This market -- equal in area to India and in production to Japan and Mexico combined -- is not well-served by the two coasts. Our geographical location and superb transportation assets make us a natural.”
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley said, “We are extremely pleased with the details of the memorandum of understanding and I know our entire Missouri delegation believes that it signals a very encouraging trend with our friends here in China.”
The trip is a follow-up to the visit to St. Louis last February of Zhou Wenzhong, China’s Ambassador to the United States. That visit, the first by a Chinese ambassador to St. Louis in memory, resulted from an invitation by the two Senators and was hosted by the RCGA. During his two days here, Mr. Zhou received briefings on the area’s transportation assets and from executives at such companies and organizations as Monsanto, Pfizer, Bunge North America, Washington University, Webster University, the University of Missouri, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the Danforth Plant Science Center, and others.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Contact: Nanci Gonder, 573-751-0290
Gov. Blunt, China's Investment Promotion Agency and Trade Development Bureau Sign Agreement to Promote Missouri Trade
Blunt-Bond-McCaskill Leading Successful Trade Mission to China
BEIJING—Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt today signed an agreement with the Investment Promotion Agency and the Trade Development Bureau, on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce, that could make St. Louis a new transportation hub for trade with China and increase exports between Missouri and China. The memorandum of understanding document was signed following a series of meetings with Chinese officials led by Gov. Blunt and U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill. The governor and senators this week are leading a bipartisan delegation of government, business and civic leaders from the St. Louis area on a trade mission to China.
“Missouri workers are the most productive employees in the world, and I am pleased to promote our state's workforce around the globe,” Gov. Blunt said. “This agreement is a result of our meetings with the Vice Minister of Commerce and promises to foster a long and beneficial relationship between Missouri and China that will open new markets for Missouri-made products, generate more opportunities for Missouri workers, and showcase the countless benefits of doing business in and with our state.”
“The creation of a Sino-American import-export hub in St. Louis will mean hundreds of new jobs for Missourians and just makes economic, commercial, cultural, political and strategic sense,” U.S. Sen. Kit Bond said. “By improving trade between our countries, we can create jobs here at home for Missourians and a more sustainable and long-term relationship that benefits the U.S. and our strategic interests.”
“This is an important milestone toward leveling the playing field for trade with China,” U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said. “I’m happy to be working in a bipartisan way to enhance the opportunity to export manufactured goods and agricultural products from Missouri, which will help our economy and create jobs here at home.”
The memorandum of understanding agreement outlines ways to strengthen the relationship between China and Missouri through new initiatives in trade and economic development. Calling St. Louis “the traditional center of the United States,” it says St. Louis “can serve as an important center for expanding two-way exchanges and investment between China, Missouri, and the Midwest.” It also says “Lambert St. Louis International Airport can become a potential center for Chinese airfreight and passenger flights.”
The memorandum of understanding also states that a delegation of the Ministry of Commerce will visit Missouri to review and assess the opportunities for expanding trade and investment promotion activities in agriculture, high-tech equipment and other manufactured goods, financial services, manufacturing, parts assembly, and real estate. It calls for continuing efforts to “foster a long-term, friendly and cooperative relationship and to develop a healthy partnership between China, Missouri, and the Midwest region of the United States.”
Joining Gov. Blunt and U.S. Senators Bond and McCaskill on the trade mission and for the meetings that resulted in the signing of the memorandum of understanding include: U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan; St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay; St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley; and former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Midwest U.S.-China Association and was invited by Gov. Blunt. Business leaders include Richard C. D. Fleming, president and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association (RCGA); David L. Steward, chairman and CEO of World Wide Technology; and executives with Pfizer, Peabody Energy, Unigroup, McEagle Properties, the World Trade Center St. Louis, and Lambert St. Louis International Airport.
“This is an outstanding agreement for the whole St. Louis area,” St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said. “Our goal is to create good paying jobs in St. Louis. China’s interest is in developing the St. Louis area as a major point of access for trade in the United States. We believe we have taken an important step toward the goals of both sides.”
The RCGA’s Fleming commented: “We have shown the Chinese that the St. Louis area’s role and position in the United States -- embodied in our region’s brand, ‘Perfectly Centered. Remarkably Connected’ -- make us a natural hub as they seek to expand their trade with the U.S., especially our exports. The St. Louis area is at the center of a 20-state global market that accounts for 43 percent of the U.S. population, 40 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, and 40 percent of U.S. agriculture. This market -- equal in area to India and in production to Japan and Mexico combined -- is not well-served by the two coasts. Our geographical location and superb transportation assets make us a natural.”
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley said, “We are extremely pleased with the details of the memorandum of understanding and I know our entire Missouri delegation believes that it signals a very encouraging trend with our friends here in China.”
The trip is a follow-up to the visit to St. Louis last February of Zhou Wenzhong, China’s Ambassador to the United States. That visit, the first by a Chinese ambassador to St. Louis in memory, resulted from an invitation by the two Senators and was hosted by the RCGA. During his two days here, Mr. Zhou received briefings on the area’s transportation assets and from executives at such companies and organizations as Monsanto, Pfizer, Bunge North America, Washington University, Webster University, the University of Missouri, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the Danforth Plant Science Center, and others.
goat314 wrote:More Detail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Contact: Nanci Gonder, 573-751-0290
Gov. Blunt, China's Investment Promotion Agency and Trade Development Bureau Sign Agreement to Promote Missouri Trade
Blunt-Bond-McCaskill Leading Successful Trade Mission to China
BEIJING—Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt today signed an agreement with the Investment Promotion Agency and the Trade Development Bureau, on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce, that could make St. Louis a new transportation hub for trade with China and increase exports between Missouri and China. The memorandum of understanding document was signed following a series of meetings with Chinese officials led by Gov. Blunt and U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill. The governor and senators this week are leading a bipartisan delegation of government, business and civic leaders from the St. Louis area on a trade mission to China.
“Missouri workers are the most productive employees in the world, and I am pleased to promote our state's workforce around the globe,” Gov. Blunt said. “This agreement is a result of our meetings with the Vice Minister of Commerce and promises to foster a long and beneficial relationship between Missouri and China that will open new markets for Missouri-made products, generate more opportunities for Missouri workers, and showcase the countless benefits of doing business in and with our state.”
“The creation of a Sino-American import-export hub in St. Louis will mean hundreds of new jobs for Missourians and just makes economic, commercial, cultural, political and strategic sense,” U.S. Sen. Kit Bond said. “By improving trade between our countries, we can create jobs here at home for Missourians and a more sustainable and long-term relationship that benefits the U.S. and our strategic interests.”
“This is an important milestone toward leveling the playing field for trade with China,” U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said. “I’m happy to be working in a bipartisan way to enhance the opportunity to export manufactured goods and agricultural products from Missouri, which will help our economy and create jobs here at home.”
The memorandum of understanding agreement outlines ways to strengthen the relationship between China and Missouri through new initiatives in trade and economic development. Calling St. Louis “the traditional center of the United States,” it says St. Louis “can serve as an important center for expanding two-way exchanges and investment between China, Missouri, and the Midwest.” It also says “Lambert St. Louis International Airport can become a potential center for Chinese airfreight and passenger flights.”
The memorandum of understanding also states that a delegation of the Ministry of Commerce will visit Missouri to review and assess the opportunities for expanding trade and investment promotion activities in agriculture, high-tech equipment and other manufactured goods, financial services, manufacturing, parts assembly, and real estate. It calls for continuing efforts to “foster a long-term, friendly and cooperative relationship and to develop a healthy partnership between China, Missouri, and the Midwest region of the United States.”
Joining Gov. Blunt and U.S. Senators Bond and McCaskill on the trade mission and for the meetings that resulted in the signing of the memorandum of understanding include: U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan; St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay; St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley; and former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Midwest U.S.-China Association and was invited by Gov. Blunt. Business leaders include Richard C. D. Fleming, president and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association (RCGA); David L. Steward, chairman and CEO of World Wide Technology; and executives with Pfizer, Peabody Energy, Unigroup, McEagle Properties, the World Trade Center St. Louis, and Lambert St. Louis International Airport.
“This is an outstanding agreement for the whole St. Louis area,” St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said. “Our goal is to create good paying jobs in St. Louis. China’s interest is in developing the St. Louis area as a major point of access for trade in the United States. We believe we have taken an important step toward the goals of both sides.”
The RCGA’s Fleming commented: “We have shown the Chinese that the St. Louis area’s role and position in the United States -- embodied in our region’s brand, ‘Perfectly Centered. Remarkably Connected’ -- make us a natural hub as they seek to expand their trade with the U.S., especially our exports. The St. Louis area is at the center of a 20-state global market that accounts for 43 percent of the U.S. population, 40 percent of its Gross Domestic Product, and 40 percent of U.S. agriculture. This market -- equal in area to India and in production to Japan and Mexico combined -- is not well-served by the two coasts. Our geographical location and superb transportation assets make us a natural.”
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley said, “We are extremely pleased with the details of the memorandum of understanding and I know our entire Missouri delegation believes that it signals a very encouraging trend with our friends here in China.”
The trip is a follow-up to the visit to St. Louis last February of Zhou Wenzhong, China’s Ambassador to the United States. That visit, the first by a Chinese ambassador to St. Louis in memory, resulted from an invitation by the two Senators and was hosted by the RCGA. During his two days here, Mr. Zhou received briefings on the area’s transportation assets and from executives at such companies and organizations as Monsanto, Pfizer, Bunge North America, Washington University, Webster University, the University of Missouri, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the Danforth Plant Science Center, and others.
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