Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell briefed reporters for the second time on his overseas trip to Japan, China, and Korea Friday, as he continues the attract foreign companies to the state.
McDonnell said Virginia officials have met with companies that already have ties with the state, such as China Telecom, and conducted roundtables with potential business prospects as well.
“It has been a very beneficial dialogue with business and political leaders in China,” he said.
On Wednesday, officials held an “investment in Virginia” seminar in Shanghai, where about about 180 people showed up to learn about investing in the state.
“The pace of growth and the number of [trains] and the amount of construction over here is breathtaking,” he said. “The level of change over the last 25 years in China has really been unprecedented.”
“At the end of the day, most of the business leaders here aren’t interested in political matters,” he added.
He said that there had been a few agreements signed with companies, including a major port company in China, and another with a major steel company in Beijing that will look at new investments in Virginia.
McDonnell’s office had already announced this week that the state will open a trade office in Shanghai. China is Virgina’s second largest export destination – up from 14th in 2000 – and exports from the state grew 8 percent in 2010 to reach $1.2 billion. Top exports last year were integrated circuits, plastics, synthetic fibers, industrial machinery and aluminum.
After China, McDonnell and company will conclude the trip in Seoul, South Korea on May 15 and 16.
