China and Alaska to talk business this April

Representatives from China and Alaska are engaged in cross-border business missions this month designed to reinforce good will and capitalize on significant economic opportunities for both parties.

In 2007, China replaced South Korea as the second largest importer of Alaska goods, a position South Korea held for more than 30 years. This month a delegation of Anchorage representatives will travel to Beijing with the goal of increasing trade between the two partners.

The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation is hosting the trade mission in response to memorandums of understanding signed with Chinese trading partners in 2006 and 2007. A 15-member Alaska business delegation is scheduled to travel to Beijing and Tianjin, China, in mid-April to meet with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, Li Qiao Free Trade Zone and other Beijing businesses.  

“The goal of this trip is to continue connecting Anchorage businesses with relevant counterparts in China,” said Bill Popp, president and CEO of AEDC. “Our partners continue to promote Alaska products such as wild Alaska seafood and tourism.”

In 2007 the export of Alaska seafood to China increased by 27.1 percent to $411 million. China is also a major importer of minerals and forest products from Alaska.

Anchorage Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit, member-based organization that serves as a resour