The sheer market size and geographical area represented by China, as well as its ranking among our top three trading partners in recent years, make this an important market for our region.
2005 Business & Trade Mission to Hong Kong & South China
The Pan-Pearl River Delta
November 25 – December 7, 2005
Organized by the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle
with assistance by the Washington State China Relations Council
and Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development
Purpose of Mission:
The purpose of this mission is to provide private-sector delegates with an opportunity to assess and explore specific business opportunities and to promote Washington and Greater Seattle as a world-class business center. Business representatives, as well as education, port, and government officials from the Washington and Greater Seattle region will have the opportunity to establish relationships and facilitate closer commercial ties with this dynamic economy. More specific objectives of the mission include:
- To enhance knowledge of the current economic conditions and businesses opportunities in south China;
- To enable business delegates to meet specific business objectives, ranging from exposure to market opportunities to making individual contacts;
- To develop & expand relationships between the business, government and multiplier organizations in our region, and those of south China;
- To promote the Washington & the Greater Seattle region and our international business, port, and education resources.
Why China?
The sheer market size and geographical area represented by China, as well as its ranking among our top three trading partners in recent years, make this an important market for our region. China is a significant current and future trading partner for our region, with Washington exports totaling $3.2 billion in 2003. Aircraft, agricultural products and machinery, forest products, high-tech equipment, and seafood are among our state’s top export commodities to China. Boeing, Starbucks, Weyerhaeuser, Costco as well as many of our small and medium sized companies have significant business interests in China.
SOUTH CHINA: THE PAN-PEARL RIVER DELTA (PPRD)
China’s richest cities are in the south, as it was the first region to be opened to the outside world with China’s first Special Economic Zones all located here. Much of that development has been fueled by the region’s proximity to Hong Kong and Taiwan. A new regional partnership has been launched as the “Pan-Pearl River Delta” comprising nine provinces plus Hong Kong and Macau with the integration of logistics and transportation. The business mission will cover the core coastal areas of the Pan-PRD. Cities to be visited include Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhaoqing, Fuzhou, and Haikou.
Hong Kong has provided much of the capital, technology, and business savvy that has made the Pearl River Delta China’s most prosperous region. Therefore, Hong Kong remains the center of business for south China. There is a U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council regularly sends representatives to visit our region’s business community. The WTO ministerial meeting will be hosted by Hong Kong December 13-18, 2005.
Zhuhai is located on the west side of the Pearl River adjacent to Macau. The west side is the location for the next wave of rapid economic growth while the east side including Shenzhen reaches an advanced stage of development. A new bridge will be built in three to five providing a direct link between Zhuhai, Macau and Hong Kong to speed up business and investment activity.
Shenzhen is the well-known boomtown adjacent to Hong Kong. Its unique immigrant culture has created an open-minded and innovative atmosphere. For over a decade, the city has focused on industries such as computers, software, IT, electronics, and A/V equipment. Its GDP of US$16,430 per capita ranks number one among Chinese cities. Shenzhen’s Yantian Port is the second largest deep-water container terminal in China. Analysts say that Shenzhen, which is already taking market share from Hong Kong in handling China’s exports, is well on its way to replacing Shanghai as the mainland’s largest port.
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province and its largest city with a population of more than 7 million. It is one of China’s most important commercial centers. Guangzhou’s GDP per capita ranks in the top ten among Chinese cities, ahead of Shanghai and Beijing. Guangzhou will host the 2010 Asian Games. A U.S. Consulate is located here, and last year our state opened a trade office in Guangzhou. It was selected for the state’s second office in China because of its concentration of businesses that are potential trade or investment partners for Washington companies. China’s largest airline, China Southern, is based in Guangzhou, with a fleet of more than 90 Boeing aircraft.
Zhaoqing is a famous tourist destination featuring limestone rock formations surrounding a large lake. The natural scenery fosters a high quality of life for its residents. Zhaoqing’s key industries include food and beverage, building materials, electronics, chemicals, machinery, textiles, and furniture. Zhaoqing also has a high technology zone with the lowest wages and land costs in the Pearl River Delta.
Fuzhou is the capital of Fujian Province and also its largest city with a population of 6 million. The economy of Fujian Province is highly trade-oriented with 54% of its economic growth dependent on import and export transactions. With ongoing cultural and business exchange activities, Fuzhou and Tacoma are sister cities and the ports also have a cooperation agreement.
Haikou is the capital of Hainan Province, which is China’s largest Special Economic Zone with incentives for foreign companies. Key industries for development include tourism, agriculture, paper, rubber, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. Haikou is home to China’s fourth largest airline, Hainan Airlines, whose biggest shareholder is George Soros. Its fleet includes more than 40 737 and 767 Boeing aircraft. Its business portfolio also includes hotels, resorts, and airport management.
Mission Itinerary:
| Travel days | Routing/Program |
| Nov 25-26 (Fri-Sat) | Depart Seattle; arrive Hong Kong |
| Nov 27 (Sun) | Hong Kong – Zhuhai visit by ferry |
| Nov 28-29 (Mon-Tue) | Hong Kong Program |
| Nov 30 (Wed) | Shenzhen Program |
| Dec 1-2 (Thu-Fri) | Guangzhou Program with visit to Zhaoqing |
| Dec 3-5 (Sat-Mon) | Fuzhou Program |
| Dec 6 (Tue) | Haikou Program |
| Dec 7 (Wed) | Return to Seattle via Hong Kong |
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Pre-trip briefing in Seattle three weeks prior to departure to prepare delegates for the mission
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Packets of information, including a briefing book with current and sector-relevant information, sent prior to departure to further prepare participants
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Other market specific programs and opportunities that may arise prior to the delegation’s departure
Mission Activities:
We anticipate that in each of the cities visited, activities will include some or all of the following:
- Briefings with U.S. Consulate officials
- Meetings with representatives of leading government offices and agencies
- Meetings with American business representatives, local chambers of commerce or other similar organizations
- Receptions with government and business leaders as funding is secured
- Tours of manufacturing facilities and other sites based on delegation’s composition and priorities
- Presentations featuring written and visual material describing Greater Seattle and the Washington State business and economic climate
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Individual business appointments, depending on feasibility and business requests
Post-Mission Activities:
- Delegate debriefing for local business community
- Assistance with follow-up for mission participants
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Regional programs on Hong Kong and south China that result from the delegation’s visit
Prospective Delegation Composition:
| Size | 20 – 25 people |
| Government Officials: | Members of the Washington State Government, City of Seattle, City of Everett, Metropolitan King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, and other Washington state ports. |
| Business Representatives: | Participating companies will likely represent a range of Greater Seattle and Washington State businesses, including aerospace, high-tech, manufacturing, and services exporters. |
| Suggested Industries: | Aerospace; agricultural machinery; architecture and construction services; building materials; environmental technology; healthcare technology; biotechnology; information technology; telecommunications; wood products; consumer goods; financial services; tourism; and education. |
Coordinating Organization:
Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle – Established in 1991, the Trade Development Alliance is a nonprofit partnership of the City of Seattle, City of Everett, Metropolitan King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and organized labor. The Trade Alliance promotes our region in targeted international markets and facilitates business relationships. Outbound missions such as this are one tool used to achieve our overall organizational goals and provide a vehicle for small and medium-sized companies to investigate business opportunities overseas. In addition to organizing outbound business missions, the Trade Alliance hosts inbound delegations and serves as an information and resource center.
Assisting Organizations:
Washington State China Relations Council – The Washington State China Relations Council, founded in 1979, is a private and non-profit business association dedicated to promoting stronger commercial, educational, and cultural relations between the state of Washington and the People’s Republic of China. The Council is the oldest non-governmental statewide trade association in the United States dealing specifically with China. Today the Council represents over 150 companies.
Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development – The Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development through its International Trade Division assists Washington state businesses in profitably accessing the global marketplace by providing training and assistance, building international trade relationships, and advocating the importance of international trade to Washington’s economy. It works with companies small and large to help them enter new foreign markets to sell their products and services or to expand sales oversees.
We welcome your participation in this mission. Click here for registration information. For further information, please contact Lili Hein at 206-389-7227 or by email at 
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