RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that he will lead a two week trade mission to Asia, from November 9 to November 22, 2002. The Governor will be accompanied by representatives of Virginia companies, agriculture marketers, and economic development officials. Meetings are currently being confirmed with key business executives, agriculture product buyers, and government leaders in China and Japan.
“Asia holds exciting opportunities for Virginia's agriculture and technology sectors,” said Governor Warner. “I hope we can create new and strong partnerships that will not only bring new jobs to our Commonwealth and also open up new export opportunities for Virginia-based companies.”
Governor Warner will also be joined by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Michael J. Schewel and Secretary of Technology George Newstrom. The trip will be the first trade mission conducted by Governor Warner, who has pledged to aggressively market Virginia agriculture products along with the more traditional economic development activities.
“The Governor’s vision for this mission includes Virginia’s dynamic technology sector, our agribusiness, our strong manufacturing industries and our service sector,” said Secretary Schewel. “We believe this mission will deliver positive results for Virginia’s businesses, farmers and workers.”
“Asia holds great promise in emerging technologies,” added Secretary Newstrom. “With China’s recent entry into the World Trade Organization, this is precisely the time when Virginia needs to be aggressive in this dynamic marketplace.”
China’s forecasted economic growth is over seven percent per year. Virginia’s exports to China grew 32% in 2001 to a record $263 million. Japan is Virginia’s second largest export destination with volume reaching $1.3 billion in 2001. In addition, Japanese companies have invested $1.8 billion in operations in Virginia employing more than 10,900 Virginians.