Asia 2009 Trade and Investment Mission Blog

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 – Afternoon and Evening of Day 3

This afternoon we attended the launch of the Hangzhou hybrid transit buses motorized by Cummins Engines.  Cummins sold 95 hybrid buses to Hangzhou and to the Hangzhou Public Transit.  This is a tremendous step in Hangzhou utilizing a transit system that will provide energy savings, low emissions and high performance.  The Hangzhou officials stated the importance of having the launch on 9/9/09 because of the significance the number 9 plays in the Chinese society. 

In the evening we attended a banquet hosted by the party secretary of the Zhejiang province, Zhao Hongzhu, celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the sister-state agreement between Indiana and Zhejiang.  Former Governor Robert Orr signed a sister state agreement with Zhejiang in Indianapolis in 1987. 

In the U.S. these types of banquets would typically include a speech or comments given to the entire group.  In China, it is custom for the hosts to go around to each table to give toasts.  These toasts are the means by which business is conducted.  I mentioned these toasts in a previous post and I have learned during this trip the significance the Chinese place on them.  In China, it is not appropriate to decline a toast or drink.  It is a sign of your ability to stand behind your word and your product. 

During this banquet I was able to observe first hand the beautiful silk dresses that are associated with formal Chinese dress.  The banquet also included beautiful music from Chinese children and a wonderful 10 course meal.  The ceremony and presentation are very important to the Chinese.  The fact that our delegation was a strong representation of Indiana political, business and economic development leaders demonstrated a great deal of goodwill and our serious intent to build bridges, develop economic ties and conduct business together.  It was a very beautiful event and was genuinely and sincerely attended by all the parties. 

While I've been in China I've been able to observe and learn about many aspects of the Chinese culture.  I've noticed that many women carry umbrellas or parasols.  In this society it is desirable to be as pale as possible.  Chinese women don't understand why women in the U.S. go to tanning salons and sunbathe. 

I've also learned that the education system is similar to that in Japan.  Heavy emphasis is put into what we would consider primary education (K-12) and college is typically more of a technical training, like an Ivy Tech.

I've also had the fortune of learning that jade and pearls are very popular here.  And I have purchased a few tokens of these delights to bring home with me.