California Secretary for Food and Agriculture Hosts Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce

SACRAMENTO – Governor Brown’s Secretary for Food and Agriculture, Karen Ross, today hosted a Chinese delegation led by the Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Wang Chao. Secretary Ross and Vice Minister Wang Chao convened members of the Joint Economic Working Group between China and California and discussed collaboration of trade and investment efforts between our two regions.

“Today’s visit from Vice Minister Wang Chao further strengthens the economic partnership between China and California,” said Secretary Ross. “California is the gateway to the U.S. economy and we are committed to fostering an economic environment that leads to increased trade and investment for both California and Chinese companies.”

The meeting was hosted in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

In February 2012, Governor Brown met with Vice President Xi Jinping in Los Angeles during a Chinese delegation trip to California. During Vice President Xi’s visit, Governor Brown and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met with Xi and several members of the Chinese government to discuss the importance of bilateral trade and investment. Today’s working group meeting built upon those discussions as officials from California and China discussed opportunities to promote tourism, increase two-way trade and investment, develop new energy resources, promote innovations in science, technology and biomedical fields; and strengthen education. To view a photo of today's meeting, please visit: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/Public_Affairs/images/SecKarenRoss&ViceMinstrWangChao.jpg 

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California's agriculture. California's farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber, and shelter. These commodities are marketed fairly for all Californians and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.

GO-Biz serves as California’s single point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.