Arkansas Business Online
April 10, 2012
Economic Development

Gov. Mike Beebe, traveling in China on a 12-day trade mission, said Monday that Arkansas will try to promote bilateral trade and exchanges with the country in tourism, high-tech industries and the energy sector.

Beebe made the comments in an interview with the Xinhua News Agency. Click here to see the full story.

In the interview, Beebe said the trade visit focuses on two-way trade between Arkansas and China, creating jobs and business opportunities for both sides.

"China is a fast-growing economic power, and Arkansas is interested in attracting Chinese investment in particular, with competitive economic incentives and preferential policies such as tax breaks," the news agency quoted Beebe as saying.

Beebe also touted Arkansas as a safe place for Chinese investment. He said Arkansas is one of four U.S. states not affected by the financial crisis.

"It is a robust and secure place for investment," he said.

Beebe arrived in Beijing on Thursday. His visit includes stops at the Great Wall of China; Yanzhou, Jining and Jinan in Shandong province; Zhengzhou in Henan province; Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Canton in Guangzhou province before he leaves for Little Rock on April 16.

Beebe has said he hopes to persuade Chinese manufacturers to invest in Arkansas and sell them on Arkansas exports, primarily poultry. Beebe has led previous trade excursions to Europe and Cuba.

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