Beijing -
Monday, March
20, 2006
Ministry of Commerce
Our next meeting, in a different location, was with the Director
General of the Department of Foreign Cooperation in the Ministry of Commerce –
one of the key officials in China’s foreign trade policy, services and
investments outside of their country.
The tone of this meeting was different from the others. It was
clear that what we were hearing was the complete, strongly held view on
economic issues of the highest ranking Chinese officials. As American
political reporters would say, the Director General “stayed on message.”
Nevertheless, the message provided numerous openings for Westchester’s economic
development and eventually became more of a discussion.
This focused on the current Chinese interest in using some of
the money they have gained in trade to re-invest in the United States and they said they would encourage such investments in Westchester. It was also
suggested that we work with the Chinese Consul General in New York City, who
can help find potential partners for trade with Westchester companies and also
help direct Chinese investors into opportunities in Westchester. He also
suggested that we contact the Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s New York chapter,
which includes Chinese companies already in the area and looking for better
locations. We will be following up on both suggestions.
continue
March 2006 Report
by Norm Jacknis, Westchester
County Chief Information Officer
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