Michigan governor visits Shanghai on last leg of tour to boost trade
Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan.
The US state of Michigan expected to enhance cooperation with China in the development of self-driving vehicles as part of efforts to forge closer business ties, governor of Michigan Rick Snyder said in Shanghai.
The Michigan business delegation has met Chinese government officials and visited large and small companies to seek business opportunities in a number of industries, including automobile, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture.
Snyder said the automotive industry is the largest trade in Michigan and the state seeks long-term connections with Chinese companies.
“As the race intensifies between technology and automobile companies – whether in China, the United States or Europe – Michigan has the undisputed opportunity to be the global capital for mobility,” he continued.
A Memorandum of Understanding that pledged close economic partnership between Michigan and Hebei Province was signed on this trip.
Snyder said agreements were reached with local Chinese governments that they will send business delegations to visit Michigan and promote exchange.
The delegation has met with small sized enterprises in autonomous driving technologies, and medium and large companies in battery and new energy sectors.
Snyder said “fruitful” talks were also held with electronic and car parts manufacturer Foxconn, which was reported to be planning to invest billions of dollars to set up a factory in Michigan.
The delegation yesterday concluded their 7-day trip in Shanghai after visiting Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou.
China is Michigan's third largest trade partner after Canada and Mexico.
