Dear MCBC Members and Friends:

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to join the State of Maryland’s 2005 China Mission from April 18 to April 29. This mission has been designed to serve two very important functions: the first is to build on the relationships and goodwill generated by Governor Ehrlich’s highly successful trip to China last October, and the second is to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the signing of Maryland’s Sister State agreement with Anhui Province.

The visit to Anhui will celebrate the ties which have been fostered by the Sister State partnership as well as identify new opportunities to leverage our friendship into even more productive and profitable ventures. In addition to Anhui, the mission is scheduled to visit three other cities: Shanghai, Beijing, and Qingdao. This broad look at the country will provide a thorough understanding of the business landscape and offer access to key Chinese government and corporate leaders.

Much has been said and written about China’s development, its incredible rate of growth, and its seemingly insatiable demand for products, services, and resources. With a GDP that surged 9.5% last year, China is not only the world’s fastest growing economy, but also a powerful economic engine and the world’s third largest market. New laws and ongoing reforms have made entry into the Chinese marketplace easier than in the past and helped to create a more stable and predictable environment for commerce and investment.

Although China is no longer the unfamiliar and risky destination it once was, doing business there is still not without challenges. Fortunately, Maryland companies and institutions can turn to the Shanghai-based Maryland Center China, the first, biggest, and most active U.S. state office operating in the country, for assistance and expert advice. The 2005 mission presents a singular opportunity to join Maryland State officials and representatives in exploring the promise of establishing or expanding your presence in China.

I hope you will accept our invitation, and we look forward to meeting you in China. Attached are a mission itinerary and a registration form. For further information about the trip, I urge you to contact Susan Frick Payne, Director of International Affairs, at 410-974-5521, ext. 3858, or spayne@sos.state.md.us.

Very truly yours,

R. Karl Aumann
Secretary of State
The State of Maryland

Click here to read the invitiation letter
Click here to download the agenda
Click here to download the registration form