Gov. Rick Snyder leads fifth mission to China to promote business investment, tourism in Michigan

Governor also looking to increase markets for Michigan-grown, made products

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder will lead an eight-day investment mission to China, focusing on promoting continued job-creating business growth and investment for Michigan, and the state as a tourism destination.

Snyder is meeting with government officials, industry executives and key media in in China, departing Michigan on Friday, Aug. 21, and returning Saturday, Aug. 29.

“We have built strong relationships in China since our first mission in 2011 and we will continue to make the case that there is no better place in North America for Chinese companies to expand than in Michigan,” Snyder said. “Chinese travelers are now going all over the world and the United States, and this is a great opportunity to tell people about Pure Michigan tourism. We will also be working to open more doors to new markets in China for businesses from across our state.” 

Snyder will visit Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Shanghai, where he will promote Michigan business opportunities, make a series of company visits and connect with senior government leaders. As part of the trip, he will also meet with several automotive organizations including Chinese Association of Automotive Manufacturers (CAAM) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Auto Committee (CCPIT-Auto).

Snyder also plans hold business media roundtables in Beijing and Guanzhou, and meet with tourism media at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and the Canton Tower in Guanzhou.

The investment mission will be led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Concurrent with the governor’s investment mission, MEDC is leading seven Michigan companies to China to meet with prospective business partners, distributors and buyers to increase export opportunities from Michigan to China.

Since Snyder’s first mission to Asia in 2011, Michigan has received more than $1 billion in new business investment from China, Japan and Korea. Recent Chinese investments in Michigan include:

• YFS Automotive Systems, Inc.: In July 2015, the company based in Beijing and owned by Rongshi International Holding Co., announced plans to acquire vacant industrial property in the city of Detroit to construct a 150,000 square-foot facility to design, test, and manufacture automotive fuel system components. The project will generate $26.9 million and create 160 new jobs.
• A123 Systems: In July 2015, the subsidiary of Wanxiang (Hangzhou, Zhejiang province) and provider of nanophosphate lithium ion phosphate batteries announced the investment of $66.67 million in the expansion its manufacturing hub in Michigan, creating 184 jobs. The firm will double its global manufacturing capacity to 1.5 gigawatts by 2018. 
• Orbbec 3D Technology International, Inc.: In February 2015, the company, whose parent is based in Shenzhen announced it was establishing a U.S. headquarters and technical center in the city of Troy, investing more than $3.2 million and creating 40 jobs related to R&D and engineering of 3D sensor applications.
• Kingfa Science and Technology: In February 2015, the high performance plastics manufacturer based in the Guangzhou, Guangdong province invested $17.9 million in a new subsidiary in Michigan, developing new products and technology. 
• Shanghai SIIIC Transportation Electric: In November 2014, the company which is a subsidiary of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) in Shanghai province, invested $15.1 million in a new headquarters and manufacturing operation in Madison Heights, creating 176 jobs. It will provide automotive window regulators for General Motors in North America. 
• CiTiC Dicastal: In September 2014, the company based in Beijing and a subsidiary of CITIC Group, a manufacturer of aluminum alloys, invested $140 million in the establishment of a new division in Greenville. The division, Dicastal North America, is slated to create 300 jobs

In addition to Snyder, the state delegation includes: 

• Elizabeth Clement, Governor’s deputy chief of staff 
• Michael Finney, Governor’s senior adviser for economic growth 
• Dave Murray, Governor’s deputy press secretary
• Jamie Clover-Adams, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
• Kevin Kerrigan, MEDC senior vice president – auto sector 
• David Lorenz, MEDC vice president - Travel Michigan 
• Kathy Kleckner, MEDC director – business attraction 
• Brian Connors, MEDC international business development manager – China 
• Lindsay Eister, MEDC senior protocol officer

Snyder’s daughter, Kelsey, a University of Michigan sophomore who is studying the Mandarin language, will also accompany him on the mission. The governor and his family are paying all costs associated with her participation.

The trip marks the Snyder administration’s fifth mission to China. Other missions led by Snyder or Lt. Gov. Brian Calley have included Japan, South Korea, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Chile, and Columbia.

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Click here to see infographic for the 2015 China Trade Mission. 

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. Currently, there are more than 94,000 jobs listed on MiTalent.org.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.