Gov. Gregoire speaks at international sustainable cities forum

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2010

SHANGHAI, CHINA � Gov. Chris Gregoire on Friday, while at the World Expo in Shanghai, delivered remarks at an international forum on sustainability, noting its impact not only on the environment, but to creating a stronger economy.

�We understand the importance of sustainability from an environmental perspective � protecting the health of our citizens and the ecosystem that we are all a part of,� Gregoire said. �However, sustainability is not, nor should it be limited to environmental considerations. The business sectors� commitment to sustainability is producing new technology, green jobs, and more energy for our industries.�

The forum brought together experts from technology, research, architecture and business to create a clear vision of how businesses and government together can lead the way to a more sustainable future. Gregoire highlighted Washington state�s advancements in clean energy projects, and pushed Washington state as a leader in clean energy as China pursues additional sources of biofuels.

�When President Hu visited Washington State, he expressed interest in buying our biofuels,� Gregoire said. �Soon, I hope Washington state can deliver on his interest.�

To read the governor�s remarks delivered at the forum on sustainability, visit: http://www.governor.wa.gov/speeches/speech-view.asp?SpeechSeq=215

Gregoire on Friday also conducted key meetings with top Chinese leaders in the energy field to develop new relationships, and encourage Washington state as a place to invest in research and development in clean energy.

Gregoire also helped facilitate an investment agreement involving the American Enterprise Center in Shanghai, who pledged to invest in and assist two Washington biomedical companies to enter and succeed in the rapidly growing Chinese market. The companies are Geospiza in Seattle, a leading developer of enterprise‐class software systems for workflow management of genetic analysis, and Iverson Genetics in Bothell, which offers advanced genetic testing to health care providers to promote early disease detection and to help physicians achieve optimal dosing of critical medications.

�This is not only the largest foreign mission Washington state has led abroad, it is the first where our focus has been on supporting new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses,� Gregoire said. �After years of tremendous growth, China has billions of dollars to invest in small, innovative companies. With our highly-educated workforce and our entrepreneurial spirit, our ability to attract foreign direct investment will help grow jobs in communities all over the state. After all, Boeing, Microsoft and Starbucks all started as small firms with game-changing ideas."

Also on Friday, Gregoire attended and spoke at a Washington state tourism promotional event that fostered face-to-face meetings with Chinese travel professionals responsible for developing tour products to the United States. The event helped establish business relationships that will encourage Chinese tour operators to develop tours to Washington state, and be able to market these tours to their customers.

Additionally, Gregoire was present when Saint Martin�s University and Shoreline Community College signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese education institutes to strengthen partnerships and create new opportunities for students both in Washington state and Asia.

For more information on the governor�s trade mission to Asia, visit: http://www.governor.wa.gov/blog/2010asia/default.asp