Gov. Gregoire Promotes Beijing's Use of Washington Companies to Help Prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games

For Immediate Release: September 24, 2005

Beijing, China - Sept. 24, 2005 -- After an early morning conference call with media in Washington State to discuss the trade mission, Gov. Gregoire, joined by members of her delegation, was received by Zhihua Liu, Vice Mayor of the People's Government of Beijing. The purpose of the meeting was for the governor to discuss with the vice mayor how Washington state companies might assist Beijing with preparations for the 2008 Olympics.

Mr. Liu is in charge of construction and infrastructure for the Olympic Games. He said they need to construct 72 venues, 31 for competition and 41 for training. Six new subways are under construction, as are several hundred new highways. All the work must be completed within two years, he added.

Gov. Gregoire introduced executives from three Washington State companies that have developed business relationships with China and are among the many Washington companies that may be able to assist with infrastructure for the Olympic Games. United Coatings has been involved in construction projects associated with several World's Fairs and the Montreal Olympics, Mulvanny G2 Architecture is already designing modern office buildings and industrial parks in China, and Zetron is a well-established manufacturer of wireless communication equipment. Each took a few minutes to explain their products and services to Mr. Liu and his colleagues.

"In 2003 we hosted a group from China to talk about how we might partner to help make the 2008 Olympics a success," said Gov. Gregoire. "We have been closely following preparations for the Beijing Olympics and have been interacting with Olympics officials for the past few years."

Mr. Liu replied, "Beijing has a good cooperative exchange with Washington State. Many American companies are already working with us to be ready for 2008. I hope there are more from your state."

Gov. Gregoire and Mr. Liu also discussed environmental aspects of Beijing's building boom and talked about expertise available through experienced Washington companies.

"Even without the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing is trying to improve the environment," said Mr. Liu. "I hope more enterprises from your state can come for the 2008 Games and also to help us improve our environment."

In the afternoon Gov. Gregoire and delegation members visited the Great Wall outside of Beijing before returning for a dinner hosted by the ambassador from the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wang Yunxiang. The ambassador, in a previous role as Consul General at the Chinese Embassy in San Francisco, had made many trips to Washington State, which he said was one of his favorite places. Gov. Gregoire invited the ambassador to return to discuss further ways that Washington State and China can increase business and academic cooperation and develop greater prosperity for both Washingtonians and the Chinese people.

Tomorrow the governor and her delegation will travel to Shanghai, the last stop of the 11-day trade mission. In Shanghai the governor will continue to promote agricultural, business and educational exchange. She will visit the Washington State Trade Office, meet with Shanghai 2010 World Expo officials, meet with the mayor of Shanghai, attend an event to promote Washington agricultural products and participate in contract signing ceremonies for two Washington companies.

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