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S.C. Department of Commerce’s China Office Officially Opens

Submitted by: John Warner on Oct 19, 2005 at 11:34 pm Tagged with: Miscellany Source:

S.C. Department of Commerce’s China Office Officially Opens
To recruit investment and foster trade relationships in China, Commerce Department locates base in Shanghai.

Columbia, SC - The South Carolina DOC officially opened its new office in Shanghai, China today. Already in Asia for a business investment and trade mission, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, South Carolina Commerce Secretary Bob Faith, and other state officials were on hand for the opening event.

The South Carolina China Office was established to actively sell the benefits of a Palmetto State location to Chinese companies, while also helping South Carolina businesses take advantage of the tremendous export opportunities that exist to China.

"The Chinese market with more than a billion people is an increasingly important player in the global economy," said Gov. Mark Sanford. "Our Shanghai base will help us find opportunities to bring Chinese production facilities to South Carolina, like we did with Haier, the largest Chinese-owned manufacturing facility currently operating in the United States. Opening our China office is a continuation of our efforts to create jobs and raise income levels for the people of this state."

As a result of South Carolina’s early efforts, Chinese investment totals $126 million and has created 1,250 jobs in South Carolina, and state officials see the potential for much more. South Carolina counts China as its 5th-largest export destination; the state’s exports to Mainland China rose a staggering 67.61% last year, and have nearly quadrupled in the last four years.

“South Carolina continues to be extremely competitive when it comes to attracting international investment,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “Now with our Shanghai office, Chinese firms will have a better opportunity to understand our state’s tremendous benefits—a readily available workforce, affordable business costs, and one of the most efficient U.S. ports. Opening our office in China says loud and clear that we welcome Chinese investment in South Carolina.”

Vicki S. Wooten
Executive Assistant
Office of the Secretary
South Carolina Department of Commerce
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-737-0442
Fax: 803-737-0894
www.sccommerce.com