State assembling business
delegation to China

Mission to focus on tourism,
technology and education

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By Lyn Danninger
ldanninger@starbulletin.com

A state business delegation heading to China this fall will focus on building relationships in the tourism, technology and education fields.

The mission, which runs from Sept. 14 to 27, is being co-sponsored by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and will be led by Gov. Ben Cayetano.

Sharon Narimatsu, the department's deputy director, said so far about 30 people from the business sector and education have expressed interest in the trip to Hong Kong, Guanjou, Shanghai and Beijing.

For representatives from Hawaii's technology sector, Narimatsu said tours of technology parks in both Shanghai and Beijing as well as trips to several universities that have a focus on science and engineering are on the agenda.

"The idea is to develop either partnerships or educational exchanges or potential investment opportunities," she said.

While in Guanjou, the governor will also sign an agreement with Guandong province, Narimatsu said, covering mutual areas of cooperation and exchange on tourism issues, such as development of resorts in China and staff training.

Encouraging business and eventually leisure travel to Hawaii is also part of the focus, Narimatsu said.

Since China garnered the 2008 Olympic Games, Narimatsu said she expects more opportunities for Hawaii's businesses and educational institutions.

"Particularly with the Olympics announcement, they are going to have to ramp up their tourism industry, so the timing is excellent," she said. Narimatsu said she sees potential opportunities for Hawaii businesses and educators in resort planning and architecture as well as tourism education and culinary arts training.

Don Goo, a partner in architectural and planning firm Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, is hoping for such an opportunity. Goo is deciding whether he will joint the trade mission to China.

His firm has already undertaken a number of projects there. Goo says he will make up his mind whether to go once he hears more details about the agenda for the trip and who they will visit.

"I still need to know more about the agenda and potential contacts, but I'll be in Hong Kong at same time so it could fit in," he said.

Goo went on a similar mission, which included the governor, about three years ago. It was a good experience, he said.

"For me, the trip provided an overview at a different level of contact," he said. "The prestige of the governor is always useful in any business relationship."