Cincinnati goes to China

As far as Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley is concerned, he would like to have more Chinese companies represented in his city.

The mayor counted some of the ties to China that Cincinnati enjoys: Cincinnati-based Procter and Gamble (P&G) established P&G China 30 years ago; the supermarket chain Kroger recently announced plans to form a strategic partnership with Alibaba in China, and the University of Cincinnati enjoys a robust relationship with Chongqing.

"That's why I am trying to get more," said Cranley.

For that purpose, he and Lee Wong, president of the Board of Trustees of West Chester Township, are leading a business delegation to China to promote Cincinnati and its surrounding region.

"I got to believe that there are Chinese companies doing well in China that they would like to have access to this market and have a presence in the United States. So, why not pick Cincinnati?" Cranley said.

The mayor said the city is leveraging and networking with P&G's relations in China.

Headquartered in Guangzhou with offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu, P&G China currently employs more than 7,000 people and operates nine manufacturing plants and eight distribution centers in China.

"If a company does business with or for P&G in China, and you are thinking about coming to the United States, why not pick the city you might know somebody at P&G already. It certainly makes it easier to network into businesses," Cranley remarked.

Cranley is not deterred by the current trade skirmishes going on between China and the US. "I think the world will be a better place if we can figure out how to get along.

"I am also looking to learn the speed which that China has built its infrastructure over the last 30 years. I have read a great deal about the magnitude of investment China has done in infrastructure. That is something I want to see with my own eyes."

Cranley also showed a strong interest in Chinese history and culture. "I am excited to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the incredible history that I am trying to read up about China. I am learning about Confucius and the cultural heritage. I am excited to go and learn whatever I can learn,"

Lee Wong, who oversees the affluent West Chester north of Cincinnati, said this is the first time he goes out of country to solicit business.

His primary goal is to build good relationship and get some new ideas for business in West Chester.

"Regardless what is going on in Washington, we still need do our own business. Cooperation is the best way to get more results than fighting all the time," he said.

Wong said that West Chester has a strong presence of biotech companies and he would like to explore opportunities in that field with China.

In addition, West Chester will sign friendship city agreements with Taicang in Jiangsu and Jiaozhou in Shandong.

"We will see how cultural and economic exchanges will develop with the two cities and then pick one to establish sister-city relationship. We are open for business and there are a lot of opportunities here," Wong said.

Leo Chan, executive director of Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce, is the chief architect to organize this trip.

Chan said that representatives from numerous companies including P&G, Kroger, University of Cincinnati as well as executives from Cincinnati Regional Economic Development Initiatives will also join the delegation to visit China.

Shanghai Expo will be one of the major stops for the delegation. "We will participate in some forums hold receptions to promote the area," Chan said.

Another goal is to help Cincinnati and West Chester to find a sister city. According to Chan, Cincinnati will begin the search by first establishing friendship city relationship with Chongqing and Changsha during this visit.

"It seems the current atmosphere is not the best, but I tell people that there are a lot of opportunities when the tide is low to develop relationship. Cincinnati is not that well-known in China, and this is the opportunity for us to grow visibility," Chan said.

Contact the writer at mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com