Continuing her economic development mission to China, County Executive Janet S. Owens spent three days in the commercial and financial center of China, Shanghai, promoting Anne Arundel County as the premier destination for business, investment, tourism and quality of life. More than 150 Chinese business and government officials, including six mayors and vice mayors, attended a trade and investment conference hosted by Shanghai business leaders. "We were overwhelmed with the strong interest the Chinese had in our County," commented Ms. Owens. "With more than $320 billion in investment and 30,000 foreign investments, the Shanghai region offers a lot of potential for future cooperation," she added. "A number of the mayors indicated that they want to visit our County and I look forward to meeting them in Annapolis in the coming months," said County Executive Owens.

While in Shanghai, Ms. Owens and her delegation visited Nanhui County  (pronounced Nan-way) and met in a televised session with First Vice Mayor Mr. Tang Haidong  and the county's top government and business leaders. "There is a lot of similarity between Nanhui and our County," remarked Ms. Owens. "Clearly, Nanhui, like Anne Arundel in the United States, is one of China's premier business locations. With its deep water port of Yangshan and a planned future urban center, Nanhui represents one of the most dynamic regions in all of China." Nanhui officials expressed an interest in visiting the County early in 2006.

The Executive and delegation also met with the State of Maryland's China representative, Mr. Ning Shao, (pronounced Ning Shall) and visited the Maryland Center in Shanghai. "These Maryland managed facilities provide a Maryland company with all they need to conduct business in China. With more than 30 companies active in the China market, the opportunity for County businesses to tap into this market is considerable," said Ms. Owens.

In addition, the delegation visited the Shanghai East Hospital and met with its president, Dr. Zhongmin Liu.( pronounced Zong-min  Lee) Dr. Liu and delegation member, Mr. James Walker, president of the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, discussed the similarities and differences in health care in China and the United States. The County Executive, a member of the UMS Shock Trauma Center Board, observed that the cooperation between Shanghai and Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center is beneficial for both institutions.  "We are most pleased we were able to meet with Dr. Liu and see, first hand,

the quality of care that his hospital is providing the people of Shanghai, and the results of the cooperative effort with Maryland," commented Ms. Owens.

During her visit, the County Executive also met with the Chairman of the Shanghai Government's Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission, Mr. Zhou Bo. (pronounced Joe Boo) They discussed the remarkable economic growth of Shanghai and the potential for cooperation between companies in Shanghai and the County.  "As one of the world's busiest ports and China's financial hub, Shanghai is the place to be for any company looking to begin business with China," said County Executive Owens.

Ms. Owens concluded by saying, " Delegation members were excited by what they saw during this economic development mission and the potential to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts.  We look forward to expanding our ties with China and to the economic benefits this can bring to our county."