From top left: Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin; Tennessee Governor Bill Lee; Ambassador Cui Tiankai and Gov. Bevin; and MOU signing ceremony.
Subnational Leaders of Both Countries Pledge Cooperation on Economic and Cultural Matters
More than 400 representatives of business and national and subnational governments from the United States and China attended the fifth U.S. China-Governors Collaboration Summit in Lexington, Kentucky, sponsored by the National Governors Association.
The forum, which has alternated between the two countries, serves as a forum for governors, leaders and investors from the United States and China to discuss economic development opportunities and to forge and reinforce mutually beneficial relations.
In addition to the National Governors Association, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China General Chamber of Commerce — USA and the Commonwealth of Kentucky hosted the three-day event, which included a visit to the campus of Kentucky-based Alltech, which was among the companies offering support for the summit.
Governors Matt Bevin of Kentucky and Bill Lee of Tennessee, and Lieutenant Governors Cyrus Habib of Washington, Garlin Gilchrist II of Michigan and Dianne Primavera of Colorado were among the state leaders who attended and participated in sessions on topics such as investment, advanced manufacturing, and building trust through education and culture.
U.S. and Chinese representatives signed memoranda of understanding for the Yushen Industrial Park Comprehensive Gas Island Project; the export of magnesium of 24,000 tons per year; an international letter of understanding between the University of Louisville and Jiangxi Normal University; and an agreement of intent on Zhengbang and Beijing Runfa and International Ingredient Corporation Cooperative Project.
Gov. Bevin, who hosted Chinese and American dignitaries at the state Capitol in Frankfort, noted that 40 percent of the world’s economic product is produced in the United States and China. He highlighted the enduring economic and cultural relationship between the two countries, noting that it has surmounted other challenges in the 40 years during which the two countries have enjoyed diplomatic relations.
“When one side wins, the other side wins. When China is strong, it is good for America. When America is strong, it is good for China,” Gov. Bevin said during concluding remarks Friday at the Lexington Convention Center.
“Look how much has happened in 40 years. We have made tremendous, tremendous progress.”
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said forums such as the NGA summit enhance relationships among subnational leaders, which are more important now than ever before.
“Cooperation is the only right option for our two countries,” Ambassador Cui said.
“Both the Chinese and the American people are pursuing a better life. This is our common goal.”
For more information about the National Governors Association’s Global program, click here.
