California Chamber President Allan Zaremberg introduces Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the opening reception for the California-China business and trade mission in Beijing. (Photo by Larry Dicke)

(November 14, 2005) California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg will join Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, members of the press and other members of the business delegation on a six-day trade mission to China beginning today to market California agriculture, encourage tourism, discuss intellectual property rights and promote business investment in the state.

“The business and trade mission to mainland China led by Governor Schwarzenegger will serve to strengthen ties and increase economic opportunities in the world’s largest marketplace of 1.2 billion people,” said Susanne Stirling, vice president of international affairs for the Chamber and member of the business delegation. “In keeping with long-standing policy, the Chamber supports free trade worldwide. We encourage the expansion of trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad and the elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California businesses.” 

The mission will build on the new opportunities that have opened for California companies since China entered the World Trade Organization in 2001. The mission will market California’s agricultural products, high technology, film industries and environmental technologies. In addition to encouraging tourism to California destinations and promoting business investment in the state, the trade mission will allow participants to discuss such important issues as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and protection, water and energy needs, and goods movement.

China has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies over the past several years, and its efforts to reform and modernize its economy have helped transform the country into a large trading economy. China’s total trade in 2004 surpassed the $1.1 trillion mark, making it the world’s third-largest trading nation after the United States and Germany, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Total trade between the United States and China has increased from $4.8 billion in 1980 to $231 billion in 2004. U.S. exports to Hong Kong have grown from $12.6 billion in 2002 to over $15.8 billion in 2004. Total trade between the United States and Hong Kong totaled  $25.1 billion in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

California exports to Mainland China were up 25 percent in 2004, to $6.8 billion, making California its fourth largest trading partner. Exports to Hong Kong increased by 22 percent to more than $5 billion. Hong Kong is California’s eighth largest trading partner, as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The business and trade mission is scheduled to arrive today in Beijing, and then travel to Shanghai on Wednesday, November 16 and then to Hong Kong on Friday, November 18. The mission will depart China on November 19. 

For more information on the Chamber’s positions on international trade issues please visit www.calchamber.com. 

Staff Contact: Susanne Stirling