On May 10, a distinguished 15-member delegation from Suzhou’s Jiangsu Province arrived at Portland City Hall for an economic development meeting. It was led by Deputy Director Wu Hui, Division of Foreign Affairs, Department of Commerce in Jiangsu Province.
The City of Portland was represented by Hector Miramontes, International Relations Director and Chido Dhliwayo, International Relations Associate from the Mayor’s Office. Sunun Setboonsarng, Global Trade Specialist and Colin Sears, Business Recruitment Officer represented Business Oregon. Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association was represented by Lynne McIntyre, President, and Robert Fraser Vice President.
Bureau and Section Chiefs represented a number of cities, districts and industrial zones from Jiangsu Province including Suzhou and: Nanjing, Wuxi Xinwu, Liyuan, Jiangyin, Yizeng, Donghai and Suqian. Company executives represented Jiangsu Holly Corporation, Jiangsu Hiteker High Tech Co., Ltd., Suzhou Dongde Intelligent Electric Automobile S&T and Innovation Park, Lianyungang Jingdu Group, Nanjing Mecom Company and Jiangsu HJH Science and Technology Co. Ltd. Lynne McIntyre commented after the visit “This was a wonderful delegation representing different economic, business and government interests. We were very pleased that there were representatives from Suzhou among their number.
The Business Oregon presentation caught the interest of several delegates, particularly those factors that set Oregon and Portland apart from the communities the delegation visited in the Los Angeles area. They seemed incredulous that Oregon does not have a sales tax and expressed great interest in our tax incentives. A number of business and educational opportunities were explored for future pursuit and follow up”.