The Kentucky China Trade Center recently hosted Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s two day visit to Beijing, where he met with various business and government officials to promote Kentucky business and trade initiatives. Accompanying the Governor were First Lady Jane Beshear, Secretary of Economic Development Larry Hayes and his wife Dr. Melissa Leath. The general goal of the visit was to acquaint the Governor and his delegation with the investment and development potentials China offers Kentucky, and raise awareness of Kentucky tourism opportunities and the 2010 Alltech-FEI World Equestrian Games.  

Activities commenced the morning of Thursday, October 8 with a trip to the U.S. Embassy. Here, Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Goldberg briefed the KY delegation on issues of China’s economic and political environment and its relations to opportunities for Kentucky. The group then proceeded to KCTC’s office in Beijing’s Silver Tower, where they were met by members of Alltech, the title sponsor of the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Lexmark and KCTC staff. While at the office, Central Chinese Television (CCTV) conducted interviews with Governor Beshear, Steve Bourne, Vice President of Alltech, Mark Lyons, Director of Alltech, Steve Wilson, Chairman of 21C, and Patrick Brewer with Lexmark’s Government Affairs.  The rest of the day included lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck restaurant in Dongsishitiao, an interview with China Daily and cultural visits to the Great Wall and Yi He Horse Farm.

Friday morning the Governor and First Lady participated in a live web interview with Xinhuanet.com. The purpose of the interview was to introduce the Chinese to the state of Kentucky. Governor and Mrs. Beshear spoke about Kentucky tourism, landmarks, notable people and upcoming attractions, describing Kentucky as a perfect destination for anyone looking for their own ‘piece of paradise.’  The rest of the morning held meetings with the China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which was used as a forum to discuss the allowance of Kentucky companies, such as Lexmark, to participate in the development of Chinese standards. Following a luncheon hosted by Lexmark, the delegation met with members of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) for a general promotion and discussion of Kentucky business in China.

The two day visit to Beijing concluded with a reception sponsored by Alltech at the Beijing International Equestrian Club. The Alltech-FEI World Equestrian Games Promotional Reception hosted over 250 guests from various Chinese business, equestrian and government groups, including the Ambassador from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Anmar A. Al Nimer Al-Hmoud, and Chairman of 21C, Steve Wilson. Guests were treated to a horse show prior to dinner, which included a show jumping and dressage exhibition.  The Governor gave a toast to continued strong ties between Kentucky and China before a promotional video of Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirit and the 2010 Alltech-FEI WEG was shown. The video spoke of Kentucky’s ‘tranquil rural scenery’, the ‘wild taste of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey’ and the excitement surrounding the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Upon completion of the visit, the success of the Governor’s stay in Beijing is apparent. The promotion of Kentucky tourism, opportunities and the Alltech-FEI World Equestrian Games remained at the forefront of the Governor’s message, and it was a message the Chinese welcomed with great interest. It is the hope of the Kentucky China Trade Center that this visit encouraged China’s continued support and investment in Kentucky, and it will make for a great presence at the Alltech-FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010.

**Included below are several links covering the Governor’s visit to China. While many are in Chinese, there are many pictures for viewing.

http://club.u.cctv.com/viewnews-91765.shtml

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_46d951bd0100f7cb.htm

http://news.xinhuanet.com/video/2009-10/10/content_12207775.htm

http://www.horse.org.cn/BBS/dispbbs.asp?boardid=10&ID=59695&replyID=121540&skin=0