2010 China Trade Mission

Sometimes you never appreciate what you have until you’re halfway around the world.

In Indiana we have been blessed to have leaders who have moved our state forward during tough times, and who knew our state needed to reach far beyond its borders to grow the Hoosier economy.

Our delegation had the chance to honor two former governors during our stay in Hangzhou. On Friday evening, following the Indiana Banquet Lt. Governor Skillman hosted for Hangzhou officials, we visited the site of a sculpture Governor Frank O’Bannon presented to officials during a trade mission to Hangzhou in the early 90’s.  The “Spirit of Man” sculpture is made of fine Indiana limestone and was a reminder to  us of Governor O’Bannon’s leadership

Prior to departing Hangzhou for Beijing, we began our weekend the next morning with a boat ride on the lovely West Lake and a brief trip to the Hangzhou Zoo. Families and tourists alike were taking boat rides on the lake, while on the road surrounding the water people were enjoying their morning walks and flying kites.




 

After the boat ride we stopped for a delegation photo and headed to the Hangzhou Zoo. Our destination: a statue presented as a gift to the Zoo by our own Governor Bob Orr 23 years ago to salute the sister province relationship between Indiana and Zhejiang that still exists today.

The statue of a proud Indiana bison, made of Bedford (Lt. Governor Skillman’s hometown) limestone, is a very popular feature of the Zoo, and several local children joined us for another delegation photo as we crowded around the beast.

As we departed the statue for a quick peak at the Zoo’s Giant Pandas, a darling local girl about 4 years old, who had been hoisted atop the bison, turned and smiled for our cameras and flashed us the peace sign to send us on our way.

With our time in Hangzhou drawing to a close it was time to reflect on the relationships renewed and new key contacts made, including the important MOU signed by the Lt Governor during the first part of our China trip.  The opportunities presented to us no doubt were made possible not only by previous administrations but have been prioritized to a whole new level by Governor Daniels and Lt. Governor Skillman through their focus on Asia and its vast markets for agriculture, trade and economic development import and export opportunities.