NC Gov Says She's Encouraged by Asia Business Trip

Gov. Beverly Perdue said Thursday that North Carolina must take a long-term view when it comes to expanding the state's commercial interests with and in China.

Perdue, in the middle of a two-week economic development trip that's already taken her to Japan, met with Chinese commerce and technology officials in her first full day in Beijing.

"What we have here is the start of a long-term relationship," Perdue said in an early morning conference call with North Carolina reporters. "I see tremendous opportunity given the country's enormous growth."

China is already North Carolina's second-largest trading partner but it lacks the level of Japan's presence — the No. 4 partner — of more than 150 Japanese companies operating in the state, generating 18,000 jobs.

The Japan-North Carolina business link has grown over more than 30 years, and Perdue suggested it may take that long for the relationship with China to mature. Lenovo is one Chinese company with North Carolina operations.

Perdue said she's looking for relationships with business and government officials that would bring a dual benefit jobs to the state but also allow North Carolina to export more goods there. Chinese officials have been well aware of North Carolina's strong university system and the state's interest in developing "green" related jobs, according to Perdue.

Commerce officials are talking with Chinese officials about biotechnology, agriculture and life sciences in North Carolina.

Perdue's visit coincided with a trip to the country by 11 North Carolina lawmakers as well as corporate and education leaders arranged through the University of North Carolina's Center for International Understanding. The two groups were scheduled to make some visits together.

Perdue will head to Shanghai before going home Tuesday.

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