Asia Trade Mission Update: Day 1

Sunday, September 6, 2009

This is the first in a series of blogs prepared to document our exciting participation on the Indiana 2009 Trade Mission to Asia. Our objective on behalf of the 10 counties of northeast Indiana is to seek relationships which will produce foreign investment in our region.

Northeast Indiana activity began before I had even left the Midwest: I ran into Mark Michael from Fort Wayne Metals in Detroit. A number of his associates are also in Shanghai this week to work a medical device show. The Asian markets represent a growing market opportunity for this local firm from northeast Indiana. 7646 miles, 14 hours of flight and 12 hours of time change later, the Indiana 2009 Asian Trade Mission has arrived in Shanghai.

First impressions are lasting, and our first impression of China did not disappoint. The Pu Dong airport is new, modern and processing through customs was very efficient. Large spaces, corridors, aisles and waiting areas reveal that the Chinese are accustomed to and skilled at serving large numbers of travelers.

As we boarded the bus to travel to the hotel, it was noted that the bus was powered by a Cummins diesel. Something tells me our guide was well informed about our Hoosier roots. One hour later we arrived at our hotel. An amazing amount of construction is underway throughout the city. During the trip to downtown, our guide pointed out a number tall buildings, towers and an immense project for the 2010 World Expo under construction.

Upon arrival at the hotel, a small group, including Mayors Wayne Seybold of Marion and John Ditslear of Noblesville, headed out to sample the local cuisine. In every respect, Shanghai has all and more than what one could expect from a world class city. The shopping areas have all the stores and restaurants you can imagine. We decided to skip Pizza Hut, KFC and Burger King and opted for the Nanxiang Restaurant. Here we enjoyed, shaved ginger (very hot), fried rice, steamed dumplings and spiced green beans; all excellent.

Enough for tonight, 8 hours until tomorrow's business meetings begin.

-John Sampson