GOV. RITTER & COLORADO DELEGATION CONCLUDE BUSINESS MISSION TO ASIA

SHANGHAI, China ― Gov. Bill Ritter and a delegation of Colorado business, economic development and university officials wrapped up a 10-day trade mission to Asia today, meeting with private companies, government officials and business organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce.

 

The delegation returns to Colorado Tuesday evening. Gov. Ritter, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joe Blake and other mission participants will hold a news conference at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday in the Governor's Office to discuss mission achievements and next steps.

 

In addition to Shanghai, the 40-person delegation visited Beijing, Tokyo and Yamagata, which is Colorado's sister state in Japan. The mission focused on promoting Colorado's renewable energy, bioscience and tourism industries, securing a daily non-stop flight from Denver to Tokyo, and strengthening ties between Colorado and Asian universities.

 

"This was a very successful economic development and trade mission to Japan and China," Gov. Ritter said. "In the short term, we elevated Colorado's profile in new and emerging markets in Japan and China. In the long term, we will cultivate the relationships we established during the mission so that ultimately we can create new jobs in Colorado for Colorado residents, create new economic and market opportunities for Colorado businesses, and attract new investments to Colorado."