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Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty led more than 200 business, government, academic and civic leaders - the largest state delegation ever organized in the United States - on a mission to China November 11-19. Geared primarily toward trade, the mission included several industry-focused delegations and featured events in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The nation's top manufacturing official also joined the Governor's delegation. Al Frink, Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services with the U.S. Department of Commerce, is responsible for policies that help the nation’s manufacturers grow, create jobs and compete in the global marketplace.
Also participating in the mission were seven Minnesota high school students. These “student ambassadors” used technology provided by the Best Buy Children’s Foundation to share their experiences in China through an educational website available to students and teachers statewide.
The November trade mission to China was a natural outgrowth of the Minnesota-China Partnership. Emphasizing a wealth of trade, foreign investment, educational, and cultural opportunities, it is believed to be the most comprehensive strategy of its kind ever developed by a state government.
Before returning to Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty was interviewed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) about Minnesota’s strategy in China:
Post-Mission Preliminary Report
Governor Pawlenty’s interview with HKTDC
Profiles of Participating Companies and Organizations
High School Student Delegate Program
