Developing and Strengthening Asia-Pacific Ties

On Wednesday, Governor Lingle, DBEDT Director Ted Liu and leaders of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai`i met with Governor Huang Huahua of Guangdong Province to discuss strengthening partnerships between Hawai`i and Guangdong in the areas of economic development, tourism, and clean energy, as well as cultural and educational exchanges.

The two governors met in Guangzhou in June 2005 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hawai`i-Guangdong sister-state/province agreement and to sign a reaffirmation agreement. They also met later that year, when Governor Huang led a delegation to Hawai`i.

This week, Governor Huang hosted Governor Lingle and other leaders in Guangdong for a full-day conference in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Guangdong Province’s sister-state/city/province relationships.

With the theme, "Create a Better Future Through Cooperation and Exchange," the summit strengthened existing relationships and widened scopes of cooperation between Guangdong and its sister provinces.

Signing ceremonies of new sister province agreements and memorandums of friendly exchanges took place between Guangdong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Guayas, Ecuador; and Bangkok, Thailand, as well as existing sister provinces: Mendoza, Argentina; Damascus, Syria; Sverdlovsk Region, Russia; and Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.

Earlier this week, Governor Lingle, state officials and Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai`i leaders met with Hainan Province Governor Luo Baoming.

While Hawai`i and Hainan have had a sister-state/province relationship since 1992, Governor Lingle is the first Hawai`i governor to visit Hainan.

Governor Luo brought with him members of his cabinet responsible for the province's tourism, commercial, energy and agricultural sectors to discuss opportunities for partnerships.

Governor Luo also reaffirmed the importance of Hainan's relationship with Hawai`i and expressed his support for increased commercial, trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange with Hawai`i. 

Hainan Airlines Chairman and founder Chen Feng was present at this important meeting, during which Governor Luo encouraged Chairman Chen to initiate direct flights as soon as possible. 

In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Hawai`i and Hainan to cooperate in the development of clean and renewable energy, energy security and in the reduction of emissions.

During the Governor's first week in China, she met with Madam Li Xiaolin, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

The Governor and Madam Li discussed the importance of developing relationships between countries, as well as the possibility of exchange programs for students from Hawai`i and China.

• View the Governor's photo gallery.