Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) released information about the 2009 “Invest in New York” trade mission to China that she recently participated in. The trip was organized by the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) and the New York in China Center.
Also on the trip was Hari Srihari, PhD, Distinguished Professor and Dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University. Assemblywoman Lupardo and Professor Srihari were two of a delegation of 24 members comprised of business representatives, academics and state legislators from different regions of New York. The delegation visited Beijing, Nanjing, Changzhou and Shanghai October 9-18.
During the trip, Assemblywoman Lupardo discussed tourism opportunities with the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, the Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Bureau, and the U.S. Consulate General and Committee for Friendship with Foreign Countries, both in Shanghai. All were interested in learning more about expanded tourism opportunities for Chinese travelers. They were especially interested in the agri-tourism potential of New York State’s wine trails.
Professor Srihari met with representatives from Nanjing University to explore modes of collaboration with Binghamton University, including a student exchange program. Nanjing University is currently collaborating with Stony Brook University on Long Island.
The full delegation visited Changzhou Science and Education Town, made up of several technical colleges including: Changzhou College of Information Technology, Changzhou Institute of Engineering Technology, Changzhou Institute of Light Industry Technology, the Changzhou Institute of Mechatronic Technology, and others. With an enrollment of 80,000, the delegation learned that most students can expect full employment after graduation. The Town showcased a new model for high level academic collaboration and shared resources among the various colleges located there.
The delegation was received by government officials at every stop. The highlight was joining members of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Congress in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of sister-state/province relations between Jiangsu Province and New York State. The delegation reconfirmed New York’s commitment to continued business and trade relations with Jiangsu Province. (This event appeared on the front page in the local newspaper and was featured on the evening news).
Finally, the delegation visited several businesses interested in locating manufacturing, retail or other operations in New York State and met with business leaders interested in making Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in New York State.
“I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of growth and development that I witnessed on the trip,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “It’s important that we keep the lines of communication open between New York State and China. As a result of this trip we will be actively promoting a student exchange program, agri-tourism opportunities, contacts for American entrepreneurs in China, and Chinese investment in New York.”
“While it’s obvious that China has an enormous advantage over America in the manufacturing sector, it was quite clear that they view America as the home of innovation. I am even more committed now to finding ways to capitalize on that innovation in order to put New Yorkers back to work. The key will be to find the right balance between in-state and foreign investment,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo.
