FIRST ALASKA-CHINA BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Alaska needs to broaden its economic base, and increased international trade is one means of doing so. As a member of the House Economic Development, International Trade, and Tourism Committee, I'm always looking for opportunities to expand Alaskan markets. China, and particularly Shanghai, offers tremendous opportunities for do just that.

I was pleased to attend the 1st Alaska-China Business Conference, hosted by the World Trade center of Alaska, and Executive Director Gregv Wolf. Lt. Governor Loren Leman greeted the fifty attendees. Then the schooling began. Topics included “Cracking the China Market,” “Doing Business in China,” “The Future for the Alaska Seafood Industry” (would you believe halibut heads are in great demand in China?), “The Pacific Rim Coal Market,” University-Business Partnership with China,” and Alaska resources for Doing Business in China.” I learned a lot – and there is much to learn.

The conference is preparatory for an Alaska Trade Mission to Shanghai later this month, which I will be attending with Alaska businesspersons and some Alaska State Senators.