Tacoma to Launch Pilot Project with China

The City of and the recently announced the launch of the Fuzhou Pilot Project.  The 18-month project, jointly funded by the City and Port aims to expand trade, primarily exports to and to attract foreign direct investment to the region., a Chinese port city with a population of more than 6 million, is the capital city of . , the largest city in South Puget Sound in state, features one of North American’s largest container ports. and have been Sister Cities since October 1994.   "Our two regions have shared numerous exchanges to expand and strengthen trade and cultural ties," said . " is now 's largest trading partner by both volume and by dollar value, and is a key gateway to this market. As we continue to strengthen our relationship, both the people of and will benefit for generations to come."  Bacon emphasized that the Pilot Project is the result of the long-term vision of Yuan Rongxiang, Chief Executive of Fuzhou Municipality and Chairman of the people's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Li Hong, Director General of the Fuzhou Foreign Affairs Office and former City of . "We have benefitted from extraordinary leadership on both sides of the Pacific," she said.  A Steering Committee made up of of and City of representatives selected Tim Wen as the project's Contract Trade Representative based in and Michael Fowler as the Contract Project Consultant based in . The City and Port will also host Fuzhou Trade Representative Guanghui "Arthur" Liu of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government.

 

On Friday, April 18, 2008 the Fuzhou Pilot Project will officially be launched at a breakfast event that is open to the public. The event will feature Yuan Rongxiang, Chief Executive of Fuzhou Municipality and Chairman of the Fuzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and top City, Port and other local government officials. The event is jointly sponsored by the City and with the support of the World Trade Center-Tacoma.

Pilot Project Launch

9 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2008

Club

(Cost is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast. For reservations or more information, contact Mariam Anderson at 253-396-1022, [email protected])