Chinese, St. Louis leaders to further trade efforts
St. Louis Business Journal
Friday, May 1, 2009
by Kelsey Volkmann
Chinese and St. Louis business leaders plan to meet Sunday and Monday to further efforts to make the region a hub for trade with China.
About 70 Chinese business leaders, led by Madam Zhang Yingxin, the deputy director of the Chinese Investment Promotion Agency, will visit St. Louis to meet with Gov. Jay Nixon, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Attorney General Chris Koster, House Speaker Ron Richard, U.S. Congressman Russ Carnahan, Sen. Eric Schmitt, Rep. Jerry Nolte, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann and Midwest China Hub Commission Chairman Mike Jones.
The commission is aimed at bringing Chinese air freight to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Officials also hope Chinese companies will set up their U.S. headquarters in the region.
"This is a furtherance of the discussion of investment potential for China and the creation of the China cargo hub," said Denny Coleman, president and CEO of the St. Louis County Economic Council.
The visit follows earlier trips of Chinese delegates to St. Louis and local leaders to China.
Coleman recognizes that such a partnership doesn't happen overnight.
"This is a marathon, not a sprint," he said. "It's still going to be some time before there are demonstrable results to talk about."
