Gov. Snyder Prepares For Asian Trade Trip
LANSING (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said Wednesday his upcoming trade trip to China and other Asian nations may not result in immediate job announcements, but that the journey is important to lay the groundwork for future investments in the state.
Snyder said the trip is about "relationship building" that could pay off later for Michigan's economy, which had an unemployment rate in August of 11.2 percent - one of the nation's highest. The Republican governor is hoping to boost business investments in Michigan and export markets for state-based businesses.
"This is more about starting the relationships and looking six months, a year out to those results after follow-ups and subsequent meetings and discussions," said Snyder, who will be making his first overseas trade trip as governor.
The former Gateway computer executive and venture capitalist took office on Jan. 1.
Snyder noted that other governors are making trips to China and other Asian nations, so it's important that Michigan also establish "higher-level relationships" in those countries.
He leaves for the trip this weekend and makes his first stop in Tokyo. The trip is expected to include other stops in Japan, China and South Korea. Some of the stops will include meetings with companies and potential investors.
Snyder is scheduled to return to Michigan on Oct. 1.
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