News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 31, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Praises Historic Forestry Agreement Between Weyerhaeuser and Chinese Government

Gov. Gary Locke today praised an historic agreement between Federal Way-based Weyerhaeuser and the Chinese government. The signing took place in the Governor’s Conference Room at the State Capitol.

Madam Jiang Zehui, president of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, and Steve Rogel, chairman, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser, signed the agreement today, with the governor serving as a witness.

The purpose of the agreement is to share ideas regarding technology and international forestry practices, establish a foundation for research collaboration and improve environmental management. Meetings in China during the governor’s trade mission earlier this month helped finalize the agreement.

“This is a very important day for Weyerhaeuser, China and the state of Washington,” Locke said. “I am proud to witness the signing of this historic agreement, which will open more doors between China and our state. Weyerhaeuser and the state of Washington have a long history of doing business with China, and this agreement ensures that we will have a prosperous future together.”

Rogel said, “This truly marks an historic day – a day that further strengthens the strong ties between Washington state and China. This is an important step in our journey of friendship and cooperation toward a future built on trade, common understanding and shared learning. Together, we’ll play an important role to ensure that future generations have access to the wonders of wood.”

Under the agreement, Weyerhaeuser and China will:
· Collaborate on forest management, silviculture (fertilizing, pruning, thinning, etc.) and wood technology;
· Research opportunities for eucalyptus forests in southern China, including the end use of products from such forests;
· Cooperate on product development and market assessment; and
· Evaluate management techniques to reduce sedimentation and improve water quality in China’s forests.

The People’s Republic of China is facing a tremendous challenge to reforest massive areas of barren forests. The country is also embarking on an aggressive program to plant forest where none currently exist. As part of this program, China recognizes the need to address ecological and environmental issues associated with its current forest conditions.

Weyerhaeuser is the worldwide leader in forestry and environmental stewardship of managed forests. The company also has a long history of working with China on trade and business relationships.

In 1972, after the U.S. resumed trade relations with China, Weyerhaeuser was the only U.S. forest products company invited to the Canton Trade Fair. In 1984, Weyerhaeuser opened an office in Beijing. In 1997, Locke participated in a ceremony for Weyerhaeuser’s Shanghai container plant, which was under construction. In 1998, Weyerhaeuser opened its Shanghai container plant, which manufactures boxes. In 1999, the company opened another container plant in Wuhan.

Locke has played a key role in building relationships with China and businesses in Washington state, both during his recent trade mission to the country and his 1997 mission.

China is the state’s second largest trading partner and offers exceptional opportunities for business development for Washington companies and for educational and cultural exchanges.

Washington state exported $3.5 billion in products to China in 2002, making it Washington’s second largest export market (Japan is first). While the aerospace sector comprised the majority of the state’s exports in 2002 (approximately $3.1 billion), exports by other industries such as paper/wood products, food and agriculture, electronics, industrial machinery, and medical/surgical equipment are strong and have considerable growth potential, as does the export of software and related services.

A recent study by the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development ranked China as the No. 1 future export market by Washington state companies.

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Related links: www.governor.wa.gov; http://www.governor.wa.gov/asia/news.htm;
www.weyerhaeuser.com







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