Governor of Virginia Attended Zhejiang-Virginia Cooperation Symposium
Co-organized by Global Alliance of SMEs (GASME), Zhejiang Commission of Economy and Technology Information, and Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Zhejiang-Virginia Economic Cooperation Symposium was held in Hangzhou on April 21, 2013. The Chinese delegation, led by Mr. Dewen Zhou, China's Vice President of GASME and Mr. Frank Cao, China Secretary-General of GASME, was comprised of 15 entrepreneurs from GASME.
The attending guests of honor included Mr. Robert F. McDonnell, Governor of Virginia, Mr. James Cheng, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Mr. Martin Briley, President of Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Mr. Todd P.Haymore, Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Yifang Zheng, Deputy Director of Zhejiang Commission of Economy and Technology Information.
Mr. Li Qiang, Governor of Zhejiang Province met with the Governor of Virginia before the symposium.
Virginia, one of the original 13 states in the United States, borders Washington, D.C. and has become America's high-tech innovation centers. It is home to the world's largest biotechnology R&D center and information industry center second only to Silicon Valley. Rewarded as the best state in the United States by Forbes magazine for four consecutive years, Virginia ranks highest in the economic development among 50 states. The high-tech companies in Virginia demonstrate innovative abilities in the field of biotechnology, telecommunications, information technology, system integration and space technology. In addition, Virginia is a hub for research and development on alternative energy, mechanical equipment, engines, and auto parts in America.
Government officials of Virginia introduced the investment environment and unique advantage to the Zhejiang entrepreneurs.
Attending entrepreneurs expressed a keen interest in the favorable investment environment of Virginia. They discussed with state officials regarding the possibility of creating of a raw materials supply hub, processing and manufacturing hub, R&D centers, and international marketing centers in the state of Virginia.
In October or November this year, GASME and the Zhejiang government will organize around 100 key enterprises to visit Virginia for business cooperation.
