Morrison, IL — The world’s second largest economy would like to have lunch with some of the Whiteside County/Northwest Illinois Region’s businesses, particularly manufacturers and agribusinesses. Gary Camarano, Whiteside County Economic Development Director explained, “Mr. Hong Lei, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China has accepted our invitation to tour Whiteside/Northwest Illinois and meet with some of our businesses to discuss opportunities for mutually beneficial trade between China and businesses in our region. In conversations with Mr. Hong, we both agreed that the large multi-nationals corporations don’t need our help to sell abroad, but our small and mid-sized businesses do need some assistance. That’s why Mr. Hong will meet with our businesses and present information on opportunities for them with small and mid-sized businesses in China.”
The presentation, “Doing Business with China,” which follows a tour of the region, will take place on Tuesday, March 21st, at Sauk Valley Community College. Mr. Hong, in previous remarks, has predicted that by 2035 the United States and China will account for two thirds of the world’s economy, and further trade, cooperation and collaboration will take place on the business front. Identifying trends and opportunities for the region’s businesses will be a key take-away of the presentation.
Camarano added, “This is a great opportunity for us to promote our businesses, the County and our region. Not only will we be able to identify opportunities for exporters, but we will have the opportunity to show the Consul General some of the reasons why the Whiteside/Northwest Illinois Region would be a great location for Chinese businesses looking to establish a U.S. presence. Mr. Hong has pointed out that last year Chinese investment in the U.S. exceeded $45 billion, the first time that Chinese investment here exceeded U.S. investment in China, a trend that he believes should continue. I’d like to see some of that investment happen here.”
Dr. David Hellmich, President of Sauk Valley Community College said, “We’re happy to host the luncheon. It’s great to be part of a regional approach to promoting our businesses and region. A regional approach to economic development is what’s needed here, and this event, and other regionally based, collaborative programs here at Sauk, like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Multicraft Extended Internship Program, will contribute to strengthening our local economies.”
Businesses, particularly manufacturers and agribusinesses, that would like to participate in the “Doing Business with China” need to make a reservation with the Whiteside County Economic Development Depart at 815.772.5182 or at econdev@whiteside.org. The program will begin at 11:30 AM and end at 1:30 PM. Call or email the above for additional information.
For additional information please contact:
Gary Camarano
Whiteside County
Economic Development Director
815.772.5247
gcamarano@whiteside.org
