Kitzhaber to lead China, Japan trade mission

Governor Kitzhaber departs Portland International Airport on Sunday along with a public-private delegation of economic development leaders to promote Oregon products and attract investment back into the state.

The delegation will visit Shanghai, Hong Kong, Kyoto and Tokyo during the ten-day mission October 14-24.

“Global markets provide new revenue opportunities to grow Oregon companies back here at home,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “Our location on the Pacific Rim and longstanding relationships with Asian countries provide a competitive advantage that these trips are invaluable in leveraging.”

ThegGovernor will be promoting Oregon agricultural products; touting Oregon’s expertise in green building and clean technology; checking in with companies doing business in Oregon; promoting Oregon tourism; growing government to government relationships; promoting Oregon’s ports; and exploring new opportunities for Asian businesses to expand into Oregon.

Oregon’s exports to Asia remain a critical component of the state’s economy with international trade growing to over $18 billion in foreign sales last year.

China is currently one of Oregon’s largest trading partners, with $1.6 billion in exports from Oregon during the first eight months of 2012. Meanwhile, Japan remains the most important export market for the state’s agricultural products.