Friends of Indiana Agriculture,
This Saturday, Gina Sheets, ISDA's Director of Economic Development, and I will embark on Governor Daniels' 6th trade mission. This is a historic time in our relationship with China and we are excited to seek out new investment, trade, and diplomatic opportunities for Indiana agriculture there. Meeting with business and government representatives, we will promote Indiana both as an excellent place to do business and as a premier agricultural supplier to the world. Gina and I will build on the new relationships created during Lt. Governor Skillman's agricultural trade mission to China in June and look to this trip as an opportunity to turn those relationships into new investments, sales and jobs for Hoosiers. You can get an idea of our agenda below, and Gina and I will keep you updated on our progress all next week. Thanks for following along as we embark on this historic trip and as always, thanks for all that you, our Hoosier farmers, do to make our state great.
-Joe
Sunday, November 7
After departing Indianapolis bright and early Saturday morning, our delegation will arrive in Shanghai, our first destination, Sunday afternoon. Our only goal is to sleep and prepare for the busy week ahead.
Monday, November 8
Gina and I will attend and speak at a conference for business leaders in Shanghai. In the afternoon, we will meet with businesses related to corn processing and furniture production. Later, they will attend a reception for alumni from Indiana colleges and universities as well as Chinese companies that are interested in locating in the state.
Tuesday, November 9
Dave Bramlage, Sales Manager with Cole Hardwood from Logansport, IN, has arranged for our delegation to tour major customers of their superior Indiana hardwoods. We will also hold meetings with potential business partners and investors in Indiana.
Wednesday, November 10
Gina will attend the Shanghai Food and Hospitality Exposition, the premier conference of its kind in China, to meet with future customers and learn about the market for high-quality foods like those supplied by Indiana producers. She will focus in particular on opportunities for wine and beef sales, though with Indiana's excellent suppliers and China's insatiable demand, who knows what opportunities will emerge.
Thursday, November 11
Having arrived in Hangzhou, Gina and I will attend and speak at a conference for business leaders in Zhejiang, our sister-state of 23 years. Later, we hope to hold a joint meeting between Indiana agricultural delegates, the Zhejiang Department of Agriculture and the Zhejiang Department of Commerce to discuss future cooperation in agricultural trade and investment.
Friday, November 12
On our last day of business, Gina and I will meet with importers and consumers of high-quality foods to learn about market opportunities in Zhejiang, the wealthiest province in China. We will also meet with some furniture manufacturers who have invested in our state and others who are interested in investing.
Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, our delegation will have an opportunity to visit important cultural sites around Hangzhou and Zhejiang. Our Chinese hosts take great pride in their history and it will be fascinating to learn about their cultural heritage.
Sunday, November 14
Our time in China complete, Gina and I will return to Indianapolis. Some members of the delegation will travel on to Japan, where the Governor has had incredible success attracting companies to our state over the past 5 years.
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