Hawaii-China pact
paves way for
new investments

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By David Briscoe
Associated Press

The message from Hawaii to China: Look no further than America's Pacific island state for training and investment.

Gov. Ben Cayetano signed agreements this week with trade and tourism officials in China which state officials say will help meet that goal and build closer ties across the Pacific in these tough economic times.

The signings were touted yesterday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Cayetano is in China with 70 state business leaders and others on a five-city trade mission.

Cayetano and Duan Qiang, chairman of the Beijing Tourism Group, signed documents yesterday that officials said would help give Hawaii companies more business opportunities in China.

Areas of possible investment include tourism planning and marketing, training of high-level management, hotel management and renovation, and financing of various joint projects, the department said.

In turn, Chinese tourism officials are expected to organize visits to Hawaii for training, business and cultural exchange -- a key goal of the state-sponsored expedition to China.

Sharon Narimatsu, deputy director of the state agency, said China's hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics offers several opportunities for investment and exchange.

Jea Qinglin, a member of China's Central Committee, was quoted as telling Cayetano yesterday that he was impressed with the size of the delegation from a single American state, saying it shows a strong commitment to working with China.

Monday, Cayetano signed a memorandum of cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

That agreement envisions more commercial, economic and technology exchange and stepped-up business transactions between China and Hawaii-based businesses.

Yu Xiasong, council chairman, praised Hawaii's interest in working with China.

Among results of the China-Hawaii meetings are plans for scholarships to train Chinese executives at Hawaii institutions through arrangements with the Honolulu-based East-West Center.

A goal of the state delegation is to make Hawaii the "destination of choice" for Chinese officials, professionals and corporations seeking economic and training opportunities in the United States.