First Details Of Beebe Trade Mission To China Revealed

As we reported last month, Gov. Mike Beebe is headed to China in April on a trade mission that will involve meeting with business and political dignitaries,  recruiting potential companies to Arkansas, and laying more framework for more Arkansas exports to China.

The tentative schedule, provided at the request of Talk Business by Arkansas Economic Development Commission officials, is posted below. AEDC spokesman Joe Holmes said the itinerary could be modified before his departure and a final schedule and budget information would be provided prior to April 4.

The names of Beebe’s meetings with “vital prospects” will be kept confidential due to the sensitive nature of discussions.  Several meetings with Chinese officials, particularly provincial governors, are important symbolic, as well as practical, meetings from a business and cultural perspective to opening up trade conversations.

Governor Beebe’s Economic Development Mission to China
Tentative Schedule
April 4-16, 2012

Wednesday, April 4 – Depart Little Rock for China

Thursday, April 5 – Arrive in Beijing, China

Friday, April 6 – Breakfast with Ambassador Gary Locke; Visit prospect; Meeting at US Embassy; Dinner hosted by CPAFFC (Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries)

Saturday, April 7 – Visit McLarty Dealership in Beijing; Visit Walmart store in Beijing

Sunday, April 8 – Trip to Great Wall of China/Cultural Exchange

Monday, April 9 – Meeting with Central Government Officials in Beijing; Meeting with MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce); Meeting with CCPIT (Chinese Council for Promotion of International Trade); Travel from Beijing to Yanzhou, Shandong Province

Tuesday, April 10 – Visit prospect; Travel to Jining, Shandong Province; Visit prospect; Travel to Jinan, Shandong Province

Wednesday, April 11    Breakfast with prospect; Meeting with Governor of Shandong Province; Travel from Jinan, Shandong Province to Zhengzhou, Henan Province; Meeting with Governor of Henan Province; Dinner with Governor of Henan Province

Thursday, April 12 – Visit prospect; Visit prospect; Travel from Zhengzhou, Henan Province to Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

Friday, April 13 – Meeting with Governor of Guangdong Province; Visit prospect; Depart for Hong Kong

Saturday, April 14 – Day in Hong Kong; Meet with businessmen with Arkansas ties  living in Hong Kong

Sunday, April 15 – Travel from Hong Kong to Guangzhou; Visit Canton Trade Fair in Guangzhou – meet with prospects

Monday, April 16 – Depart Guangzhou to return to Little Rock; Arrive in Little Rock