Gov. Gregoire to depart Saturday on Japan and China Trade Mission

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2005

SEATTLE - September 14, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire departs Saturday, September 17, for Tokyo, Japan on an 11-day trade mission to promote Washington products and services in Asia.

The governor will lead a delegation of 56 business, agricultural and education leaders in a visit that will include key meetings, a �Washington State Day� at the Aichi World Expo 2005, a visit Kobe, Japan and then China�s two largest cities - Beijing and Shanghai. Former Gov. Gary Locke will accompany Gov. Gregoire during the Beijing leg of the trip.

�As one of the most trade dependent states in the nation, we must remain competitive in the global marketplace and trade missions are an important part of establishing key business relationships, � said Gregoire. �Japan and China are Washington�s first and third export markets, respectively, and there is potential to expand our business with these countries even more.�

Japan is Washington state�s largest trading partner, comprising about 18.6 percent, or $6.27 billion, of Washington-originated exports in 2004. In Tokyo, Gov. Gregoire plans to meet with aerospace supplier companies while at the Aichi World Expo. In Kobe, she will meet with elected officials and tour a medical development project.

In recent years, Washington State has established unprecedented relations with the People�s Republic of China. Previous governor�s missions have resulted in millions of dollars in sales for Washington businesses and farmers. The country�s booming economy and desire for Western products, present immediate opportunities for Washington companies and farmers to establish themselves in the Chinese market.

Gov. Gregoire and members of the delegation will visit Beijing, where she will attend contract signings for Washington companies and meet with Chinese government officials. From there, the delegation will travel to Shanghai where the governor will meet with the mayor of the city, conduct a Washington apple promotion, and participate in more contract ceremonies between Washington and Chinese businesses.

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