Daley Set To Leave For China
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Mayor Richard M. Daley leaves for China Friday, for a two-week trip with civic and business leaders to drum up more investment in Chicago.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports, Daley sees China as essential to Chicago's economic future. Thus, he is off to pitch the city to investors and businesses.
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During a news conference announcing the campaign, the mayor got a little defensive when asked about selling off city assets to the highest bidder.
"We should not be worried about foreign investments," Daley said. "They are not buying our country. They are investing in our country."
Daley said the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics put Chicago on the global map. The city prepared a 2016 Olympic bid campaign for two years, but ultimately lost in the first round of International Olympic Committee voting.
Daley also noted the recent visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao. Chicago was his only stop outside Washington.
"And the implication of him visiting here was important throughout the world, especially in China," Daley said.
Chinese Consul General Yang Guoqiang said China, like Chicago, is pro-business.
