Washington State is also capable of providing this kind of support and expertise.
From freep.com (Detroit Free Press) - http://www.freep.com/art.../810190384/1019/BUSINESS
Solutions for China yield Mich. jobs
BY CAROL CAIN • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • October 19, 2008
Michigan might be known for its auto roots, but to a growing number of Chinese government and business leaders, the state is becoming known for its environmental leadership.
That's creating new business opportunities for Michigan firms.
China -- with one-fifth of the world's population -- is looking for solutions to address its growing energy, air quality and water pollution problems.
Michigan is stepping up to help.
Leaders from around the state are heading to China to offer energy and environmental solutions with the goal of creating more jobs in Michigan.
Doug Smith, deputy economic development director for Oakland County, recently returned from an 11-day trade mission to China that focused on such opportunities.
It was the first time a municipality was invited to attend the U.S. Commerce Department's trip; it usually takes companies.
"This is part of their invest-in-USA strategy which is looking to bring more Chinese investment to this country," said Smith, who had been to China three times before this recent trip. "This is a nation trying to reduce its dependence on oil and coal."
David Bohigian, the assistant secretary of Commerce, led the mission.
The trip came on the heels of the Summer Olympics in Beijing, in which the nation was able to clear the air by limiting car traffic and the burning of coal in its plants. Since then, people have been demanding cleaner air and water.
That's music to Smith's ears as he heads back to China this week with a group of educators from the Confucius Institute at Michigan State University.
While there, Smith will work on creating environmental opportunities for Michigan businesses.
Plenty of support
Smith isn't alone in his efforts.
Wayne County officials are heading to China in early November to seek new opportunities for Michigan firms tied to the environment.
Kurt Heise, Wayne County environment director, is to shepherd six Michigan firms that specialize in the environment that will be part of the entourage headed by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.
During Wayne County's last trade mission in 2007, it signed four memos of understanding about creating business opportunities between the county and four cities: Chongqing, Wuhan, Bengbu and Nanjing.
Among firms scheduled to be part of the Wayne County trip: CTI Environmental and Hamilton Anderson Associates.
"We're going to open the door even wider to include energy technology as well," Heise said.
Environmental initiative
To shore up the home team, Wayne County's Department of Environment and the Butzel Long law firm have teamed up to create the China Environmental Law and Policy Initiative.
The Wayne County-Butzel initiative will focus on environmental law and education projects with area universities.
"We are excited to be part of this unique opportunity for our clients and our local economy," added C. Peter Theut, director of Butzel Long's China practice.
Theut will also be among the delegation traveling with the Wayne County group.
In further proof the world is looking to Michigan for environmental ideas, Heise was in South Korea in June addressing an international conference on environmental solutions.
He talked about how Wayne County worked to clean up the then-very polluted Rouge River during the 1970s.
"Simply put, we are leaders in environmental protection," added Ficano. "From Southgate to Seoul, the world is recognizing our success."
