Annapolis, MD (September 9, 2005) - Building on the positive momentum created by the signing of agreements with both Changde City and Tieling City, Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens today announced that she will lead an economic trade mission to China. The mission will take place September 10 through 20, 2005. The County has regularly hosted delegations from China including officials and business executives from Jiashan and Jinshan Counties, Shanghai Province, as well as delegations from Changde City in Hunan Province, and Tieling City in Laoning Province. “With an economic output of $1.6 trillion, China is the world’s fastest-growing large economy,” Ms. Owens said. “This trip is an important next step in expanding Anne Arundel County’s reach into the global marketplace.” Anne Arundel County is an ideal location for companies conducting international business. The county is located in the heart of the Washington, D.C./Baltimore corridor, the fourth largest market place in the United States, and is home to the Baltimore Washington International Airport, providing easy access to national and international destinations. The China mission will establish crucial business networks and illuminate ways in which to capitalize on market opportunities in China. Ms. Owens’ visit to China will also further build on the relationship established between Anne Arundel County and two cities in China. In September of 2004, a Friendship Agreement with Changde City in the Hunan Province of China was signed by Ms. Owens and the Mayor of Changde City to promote business, tourism, cultural, and medical exchanges and collaboration. In April of 2005, a Letter of Intent with Tieling City was signed by Ms. Owens and the Mayor of Tieling City to strengthen economic cooperation in the areas of business, science and education. In October of 2004, Ms. Owens was also part of Governor Ehrlich’s trade mission to Shanghai, China, meeting with venture capital and technology firms. Two major Anne Arundel County companies already have a presence in China and are looking to expand their businesses. They include ARINC, a world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering, and Northrop Grumman Corporation, a global defense company providing a broad array of technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding, and space technology. The China trade mission has been organized by Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Forte International, Inc., an organization that promotes business relations between China and the United States. The ten day itinerary includes visits to Beijing, Changde City, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Throughout the trip, Ms. Owens and her delegation will be introduced to key government officials and potential Chinese business partners as they visit key development zones and learn about market opportunities in China. Eight public and private sector partners have agreed to accompany County Executive Owens as delegates on the trade mission to China. They are: - Gregory Barnhill, Partner, Brown Advisory
- Barbara Gehrig, Senior Vice President, Comcast Cable Communications
- Dr. Martha Smith, President, Anne Arundel Community College
- Ed St. John, President, St. John Properties
- James Walker, President and CEO, Baltimore Washington Medical Center
- Robert Walker, Chief Administrative Officer, Anne Arundel County
- Bill Badger, President and CEO, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
“China is a country with terrific partnership potential,” Ms. Owens said. “Encouraging international business investment is an investment in the future of Anne Arundel County.” |
