Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence completed his jobs and economic development mission to China today, visiting Indiana companies with China operations and hosting a reception in Shanghai for graduates of Indiana colleges and universities living in China.
“As a state, Indiana remains committed to giving our students the tools they need to succeed in life through a world-class education,†said Pence. “By going out and making an impact at companies around the globe, the graduates I met tonight are showing the world the power of an Indiana education. To continue attracting global companies to locate and grow in the Hoosier State, business leaders need to look no further than the graduates of our world-class universities both abroad and the many more we have back home.â€
The reception attracted more than 100 alumni, including graduates from Purdue University, the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, Butler University and Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis. Indiana University, Purdue University and Rose Hulman Institute of Technology have education partnerships with Zhejiang Province, Indiana’s sister state, while some of Indiana’s other higher education institutions have established exchange programs across China. This complements the more than 10,000 Chinese students who attend universities in all corners of the state.
Earlier in the day, the Governor led meetings with leaders of the Lilly China Research & Development Center in Shanghai. Indiana-headquartered Eli Lilly employs more than 41,000 people around the world, including 11,000 Hoosiers at high-wage jobs across Indiana. The Governor also visited China International Marine Container, the parent company of Monon, Indiana-based Vanguard National Trailer Corporation. Vanguard has grown to be White County’s largest employer, employing more than 500 Hoosiers.
“Indiana and China are stronger together,†said Pence. “In the years since our friendship formed, Hoosier students have gained a broader worldview through cultural exchanges. And as global understanding grows, so does economic growth. Today Chinese companies are creating great Hoosier jobs in all corners of our state, and Indiana-based companies are thriving globally. Through the relationships we’re forming on this trip, I’m confident that this is just the beginning of generations of growth to come.â€
China is Indiana’s fifth largest export partner. Hoosier companies exported $1.4 billion in goods to the country just last year. Through visits this week to Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai, the governor has met with a number of prominent Chinese companies and multiple government leaders, including signing a reaffirmation of Indiana’s sister-state agreement with Zhejiang Province and meeting with Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yang.
The trip marks the governor’s sixth jobs and economic development as Governor, after previously traveling to Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Israel to promote Indiana.
More information about the Governor’s jobs mission to China, including video clips and photos, will be posted throughout the trip here: http://in.gov/gov/China2015.htm.
