Gov. Heineman Meets with China Sister-State Delegation

Press Release

Gov. Dave Heineman today met with an official delegation from the Shaanxi Providence, China, in the Nebraska State Capitol. The Governor and the Chinese delegation discussed current and future economic development and education collaboration.

"I am pleased to welcome our friends from our Sister-State, Shaanxi, to Nebraska," said Gov. Dave Heineman. "Our ongoing communication and relationship is important to both China and Nebraska. There are many opportunities for our state and the Shaanxi Province that we are discussing, including business, educational and cultural connections. I know this delegation of special guests will enjoy their time in Nebraska, as we enjoyed our visit to Shaanxi in July."

In July 2012, Gov. Heineman led the Governor's Trade Mission to China, where he and his delegation ushered in a new era of Nebraska-China relations in Xi'an, the capital city of Shaanxi Provence. After years of economic development efforts, educational exchange and cross-cultural exchange, Gov. Heineman and Shaanxi Governor Zhengyoung Zhao signed a letter of intent to form a Sister-State relationship between the two states. Today's meeting furthered those efforts.

Today's meeting included Mr. Liu Yaming, Deputy Director-General of Shaanxi Foreign Affairs Office; Mr. Fan Fuhui, President of Shaanxi Information Industry General Survey Research Institute; Mr. Ma Ning, Director Assistant of the Investment Promotion Bureau of Xi'an Hi-Tech Industries Development Zone; Ms. Yang Li, Shaanxi Delegation member; and Mr. Jiang Shuidong, Interpreter of Shaanxi Foreign Affairs Office, Sister Cities representative. The Governor's meeting was also attended my members of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Governor's Office.

Director of Economic Development Catherine Lang is officially hosting the group of government and business officials. Dir. Lang added, "By hosting these individuals in Nebraska, we are excited to share Nebraska with them first-hand. We are building economic development between our regions, and we are honored to host our guests in Nebraska."

While on the Governor's Trade Mission in July, Gov. Heineman and his delegation spent two days in Shaanxi. An inland province with a strong agricultural industry and rich history, Shaanxi and Nebraska share many similarities and relationships. Geographically, Shaanxi is near the center of China. Economically, Shaanxi is a strong province that has rapidly grown its economic ties with the U.S. during the last ten years.

Nebraska's first Chinese investment came from Easyway International, located in Shaanxi Province and was a result of the 2008 Reverse Trade Mission. In addition to economic and geographic similarities, Nebraska and Shaanxi also share numerous educational and cultural ties. The Department of Economic Development and Sister-State Division of Shaanxi Provincial Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries are implementing the formal relationship.

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