Mayor Greg Ballard today met with a delegation of
government, cultural and business leaders from Hangzhou, China. Mayor
Ballard extended an invitation to the Hangzhou delegation following his
2008 economic development trip to the country.
"Positioning our city as a strong global competitor is key to ensuring
our success for decades to come," said Mayor Ballard. "Our strong
relationship with China is providing ample opportunity for economic and
cultural exchanges -- helping Indianapolis establish a stronger global
presence."
Last year, Ningbo manufacturer Goodtime Science & Technology Co. Ltd.
located their U.S. distribution center in Indianapolis. The company
manufactures and distributes environmentally-friendly and
energy-efficient rubber, plastic, and metal items and molds for major
auto makers including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda. The company
considered locations in Michigan, Kentucky and Missouri but ultimately
chose Indianapolis because of its superior market reach, ease of doing
business and quality of life.
"Establishing relationships with community and business leaders in
Hangzhou and our other sister cities is crucial to our international
economic development efforts, which is why we have taken the opportunity
to visit Hangzhou twice in the past year. We are pleased to now take our
turn in welcoming their delegation and are thrilled they will have the
opportunity to experience firsthand all that Indianapolis has to offer,"
said Scott Miller, CEO, Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. (IEDI).
While in Indianapolis, the Hangzhou delegation also met with executives
with IEDI as well as toured several local attractions including the
Indianapolis Museum of Art and Conseco Fieldhouse.
"Indianapolis has so much to offer and we are very excited to be able to
share with the Hangzhou delegation many of our most famed cultural
attractions," said Carolin Requiz Smith, Director of the Mayor's Office
of
International and Cultural Affairs. "Hangzhou has been an excellent
partner for Indianapolis, and we are happy to have this opportunity to
extend some Hoosier hospitality."
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is a Sister City to
Indianapolis and is known for its pharmaceutical sector and strong
manufacturing sector with a focus in automotive components, and it is a
popular tourist destination.
The Mayor's criteria for selecting a Sister City include having a
metropolitan population of more than one million, an international
airport, economic vitality in multiple industries and an education and
cultural infrastructure able to foster exchanges with Indianapolis
institutions.
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