A business delegation from the U.S. state of Michigan will arrive in China Friday on an investment mission, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced on Thursday.

The ten-day mission, co-sponsored by Michigan Global Partnership (MGP)--a MEDC collaboration with Michigan's public and private businesses, plans to have a dynamic presence at Auto Shanghai 2007, a biennial automobile industry trade show to be held at the Chinese economic hub next week.

"We want Chinese companies to recognize our state as a global automotive powerhouse and the gateway to the North American automotive market," said MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito, "As the only U.S. state with its own booth at Auto Shanghai 2007, we are making a strong case."

The mission, which consists of Michigan business moguls, will participate in a life-science forum during their stay in China between April 19 and April 28, said Epolito.

Michigan, a state where more than half of the top 150 auto suppliers to North America are headquartered, is desperate to woo Chinese investors hungry to enter the North American market.

"We are working aggressively in China to sell Michigan as the best place in North America to do business and attract new investments to the state," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, who personally headed several investment missions including trips to Asia in 2005 and 2006 and to Germany last month.

"We've had great success from previous missions to Asia and Europe that have resulted in international companies making investments and creating new jobs for Michigan workers," the governor said.

Source: Xinhua