CHINA BLOG: IT'S TIME FOR PORTLAND TO SELL MORE GOODS AND SERVICES TO CHINA

August 25, 2008

Dear Portlander,

To create more living-wage jobs here at home Portland needs a trade export strategy.

That is why I have agreed to participate on a trip to China hosted by National League of Cities (NLC) from September 4 - 16, 2008.

The purpose of the trip, which will include five other U.S. mayors, is to have a dialogue with Chinese leaders about green practices and energy efficiency.

I have agreed to join the delegation because the City of Portland and the citizens and companies in this region have expertise to share. We also have a lot to learn about the key challenges China faces and their recent efforts to address them. For information on the recent US/China 10 year Energy and Environment Cooperation Framework Agreement click on the following link: http://cts.vresp.com/c/?OfficeofCommissioner/4981f50fcf/02eb50ae2b/281f7abd09

Supporting China in its efforts to become sustainable is not only a moral imperative; it is also an economic opportunity. One of the goals of the trip will be to place Portland and its businesses in a strategic position to benefit from the "greening" of China. In addition to the NLC portion of the trip, I have added a few days on either side of the scheduled itinerary to focus on building Portland-specific connections.

As part of my job-creation and economic development agenda I am committed to developing a Portland export trade strategy within six months of taking office as mayor. China is one of the fastest growing economies, and cultivating working relationships must be a key element of this strategy. I look at this visit as an opportunity to develop a better understanding of how Portland can best position itself to meet China's needs in a way that reflects our green expertise and values.

That's where you come in. I'm looking for your advice on any leaders or companies I should visit while I'm in Beijing, Shanghai, and Qingdao. I'm also looking for advice on local companies (especially those that offer sustainable products and services) that I should promote in China. Finally, if there are connections here in Portland that I should pursue, please feel free to share that with me as well.

Please reply to this email or to Clay Neal (clay.neal@ci.portland.or.us) in my office with your suggestions or questions. I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Sincerely,

Sam Adams
Mayor-Elect

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Posted Mon, 08/25/2008 - 8:00am.

[[ Categories: Jobs & Economy ]]

Thanks

Submitted by Ellen Cho on Sat, 09/06/2008 - 7:01pm.

I have never received an email from a elected official offering to help local companies export their products or services. Thanks. Ellen

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advice and such

Submitted by sascha on Sun, 09/07/2008 - 8:32pm.

I am not sure where you are now, but i just saw this post:

if you are in Qingdao, you should sit down with my friend Li Du who knows the city very well, has a great French restaurant there and can put you into contact with businesspeople and artists there. He runs a gallery and just last week i attended a "Twin Cities" art show between Qingdao and Chengdu, where i live, that Li Du organized with some of the biggest names in China. here is Li Du's telephone number: 13906421536

In Shanghai, there are too many people to count, but I actually advise AGAINST getting involved in Shanghai too much. In my personal opinion, cities like Hangzhou (outside of Portland) Beijing, Qingdao and definitely Chengdu and Kunming are good matches for Portland.

Shanghai is a glitzy city with the ... shall we say exact opposite demographics that I have seen in Portland. But of course you have to go there and check it out. Two friends that I would introduce to you would be Jarrett Wrisley and Michael Ferchak, young guys from the NE who know the city very well. Michael is a businessman, Jarret is a longtime local writer ....

Jarret's number is 13162565701
Michael's is: 13671993664

These guys are not political figures or even particularly rich, but they all can give you a good perspective on the city and US-China cooperation in general. And they are the guys on the scene -- as in they will know alot about these two cities and can give you a frank idea.

cheers,
sascha

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