PRESS RELEASE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GO-BIZ)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Oct. 26, 2016
Brook.Taylor@gov.ca.gov
(916) 322-0667

Sacramento, Calif. – As part of ongoing efforts to increase trade and investment, particularly in California’s renewable energy and clean tech sectors, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Energy Commission today announced they are leading a delegation of California clean tech businesses to China.

“California is a global leader in the clean tech sector thanks in part to our forward thinking environmental policies and investments in new technologies,” said GO-Biz Director Panorea Avdis. “We are excited to introduce California companies to new market opportunities in China as well as advance our ongoing conversation for business and investment opportunities in California with our partners in the Chinese business community and government.”

GO-Biz Director Panorea Avdis and California Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller are leading the delegation which includes representatives from GO-Biz, the California Energy Commission, the California Environmental Protection Agency, our CA-China Trade Network Partners: the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles World Trade Center, and the City of Sacramento, the CA Secretariats for the Trade Investment MOU: the Bay Area Council and LARExC, and a dozen clean energy executives and California business representatives.

The trip builds on the foundation established by the California-China Trade and Investment MOU signed by Governor Edmund G Brown Jr. during his trade mission to China in 2013 by highlighting the importance of California renewable energy and clean tech companies interested in boosting their economic ties in China. The delegation is meeting with top government officials, Chinese companies and key stakeholders for the purpose of increasing trade and investment in the clean tech sector, promoting California companies’ competitiveness in this sector, and presenting job-creating investment opportunities in other sectors around the state.

“California emits only one percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, yet the Golden State is demonstrating how a state or country can reduce carbon intensity while building its economy,” said California Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. “In order to have a global impact we need other economies to endorse clean technologies and open up markets to California clean technology companies.”

The trade mission is organized in partnership with the CA-China Trade and Investment Office and the Cal Asian Chamber and is scheduled for October 27 through November 5.  The itinerary includes meetings and events with Chinese trade officials and businesses in Beijing which will also include visiting delegations from Hebei, Shandong, Chongqing, and Inner Mongolia Provinces, as well as in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Shenzhen, and participation in the annual Environmental Protection Technology & Equipment Trade Show hosted by the Chinese Government.

The delegation is also conducting site visits of companies such as tech giant LeEco in Beijing and electric vehicle start up NextEV in Shanghai. NextEV is participating as a delegate on the trade mission and this month announced the opening of their North American headquarters in San Jose with plans to grow extensively in California.

“We are grateful for the support GO-Biz has provided NextEV, awarding us a $10 million tax credit and assisting in our growth in California,” said Padmasree Warrior, CEO of NextEV US and Chief Development Officer of NextEV. “We are excited and honored to send a delegate representing NextEV on this important trip, and enthusiastic about hosting GO-Biz at our Shanghai facility.  We are certain they will be impressed and inspired by the work we are doing there.”

Delegation members include electric vehicle companies, clean energy investors, international trade representatives from several regions in California and more. For the complete list of delegates please visit the California Asian Chamber website:http://www.calasiancc.org/event/china-trade-mission-2/

For updates and announcements from the trade mission check the GO-Biz website (www.business.ca.gov) and/or the California-China Trade Office Twitter account (@CAChinaTrade / #CAChinaTrade)

Highlights from the agenda:

Friday, Oct. 28 – Beijing:

• Ministry of Commerce and CCCME business to business matchmaking event with companies from five different provinces (Beijing, Chongqing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia and Shandong)
• Start-up incubator tour at Z-Park in the Haidian District

Saturday, Oct 29 – Beijing

• Company tour and meeting with executives at LeEco Headquarters

Monday, Oct. 31 – Guangzhou

• Meeting with trade officials and matchmaking event with businesses from Guangzhou

Tuesday, Nov. 1 – Shenzhen

• Meeting with trade officials and matchmaking event with businesses from Shenzhen

Wednesday, Nov. 2 – Nanjing and Zhenjiang

• Meeting with trade officials and matchmaking event with businesses from Jiangsu
• Meeting with Zhenjiang Government officials and with Mayor of Zhenjiang

Thursday, Nov. 3 – Shanghai

• Meeting and demonstrations at the Chinese Environmental Protection Technology & Equipment Show (EPTES)
• Company tour and meeting with executives at NextEV Chinese Headquarters

Friday, Nov. 4 – Shanghai

• Meeting with trade officials and matchmaking event with businesses from Shanghai
• Meeting with trade officials and businesses from Sichuan Province
• Closing reception at the CA-China Trade Office in Shanghai

About the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development         
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as California’s single point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit: www.business.ca.gov.