ASIA-PACIFIC RELATIONS
China Trade and Travel
Assigned by Governor Abercrombie and as part of a team from the Hawai‘i Convention Center, the Lieutenant Governor conducted a business trip in July of 2011 to Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in China with the focus of developing clean energy and tourism. The main goals of the trip were to invite Chinese business leaders to participate in the 3rd Annual Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo (APCESE) at the Hawai‘i Convention Center in November 2011, to reinforce Hawai‘i’s commitment to the expanding Chinese tourism market and to continue building relationships in China especially in advance of the APEC. The Lieutenant Governor hosted a “Hawai‘i State Reception” in Beijing with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) with a special focus on Hawai‘i’s clean energy goals.
Promoting Clean Energy Partnerships
Lieutenant Governor Schatz also met with CCPIT Deputy Director of the Department of International Relations and discussed a possible clean energy forum during APEC leaders’ week. As a result, on Sunday November 13, the Hawai‘i – China Clean Energy Forum hosted by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and CCPIT was held in the House Chambers of the State Capitol. Participants included Chinese CEO’s participating in the APEC CEO Summit, Hawai‘i business members, CCPIT officials and Hawai‘i legislators. At the conclusion of the Forum, a letter of intent was signed between Governor Abercrombie and CCPIT Vice Chairman Mr. Yu Ping to collaborate on clean energy development.
Improving Hospitality Partnerships
Lieutenant Governor Schatz met with China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) to express Hawai‘i’s commitment to ensuring that our hospitality industry increases services directed at the Chinese market. Following that meeting, in September the Lieutenant Governor addressed the U.S. China Travel Leaders’ Summit which was held on Hawai‘i Island and attended by CNTA Chairman Mr. Shao Qiwei.
Continuing Hawai‘i’s Relationship with Guangdong Province
In Guangzhou, Lieutenant Governor Schatz met with Guangdong Province Vice Governor Xiao Zhiheng to discuss increasing visitation to Hawai‘i. As Hawai‘i and Guangdong have strong cultural ties and have shared a sister state relationship since 1985, there is a clear impetus for direct flights. This discussion is ongoing.
The trip was a solid beginning for this administration. Governor Abercrombie followed up with a successful trip to China in October. All of this culminated in the successful hosting of APEC Leaders’ Week in Honolulu. DBEDT and HTA, in cooperation with our administration, will continue to work toward strengthening our economic and cultural ties with China.
Links to News Coverage of Lieutenant Governor Schatz's Travels:
http://www.kitv.com/video/28596718/detail.html
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/category/6743/video?clipId=6072550&topVideoCatNo=91610&autoStart=true
