GOV. RITTER SIGNS ECONOMIC DEAL WITH CHINA GROUP

Published: THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2009

source: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/GovRitter/GOVR/1251566596112

China invests in America (CIIA) coordinated the China Trade and Investment Delegation led by China Ministry of Commerce's Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronics (CCCME) to visit State of Colorado, September 10, 2009. A Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) is signed by Governor Ritter and President Zhang of CCCME. 

China Trade and Investment Delegation, CCCME officials, CIIA Representatives, Colorado officials and Governor at Colorado State Capital Building after MOC Signing Press Conference. (September 10, 2009)

Gov. Bill Ritter welcomed the Chinese Ministry of Commerce's Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronics to Colorado today, signing a Memorandum of Cooperation that will promote increased business investments, cooperation and job-creation opportunities.

The agreement follows Gov. Ritter's economic development mission to Asia last year. It reaffirms an existing cooperative relationship and targets several economic sectors, including renewable energy, clean technology, information and communication technology, and bio and life sciences.

"This is an encouraging follow-up from last year's mission to China," Gov. Ritter said. "Less than a year ago, we met with members of this group in China, and today they have traveled to Colorado to see first-hand how we can continue to create new business opportunities."

The Chinese delegation is visiting the U.S. as part of a larger group from China to explore how to expand trade and investments. Along with the group are representatives from 30 private businesses interested in learning about Colorado's New Energy Economy.

"By signing today's memorandum, we support the opening of doors for export and increasing direct foreign investment in Colorado, especially in our clean-tech industry," Gov. Ritter said. "Building strong economic ties in this global market is critical for Colorado's future."

China is Colorado's third-largest export market. In 2008, Colorado businesses exported $508 million worth of products to China, primarily electronic equipment, base metals and cements, medical equipment, industrial machinery, and raw hides and skins.

Through the agreement, Colorado and the CCCME plan to jointly promote the exchange of information by communicating policies, laws and regulations, projects, promotion activities, and exchanging trade delegations.

CONTACTS:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
Matt Cheroutes, 303.324.5420, matt.cheroutes@state.co.us