Chinese business and government leaders visit Pinal County

Pinal County recently played host to a group of business and government leaders from the Canton Province in China. Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Sandie Smith met with the nine visitors to exchange ideas on trade and government services.

“I found it very enlightening,” Chairman Smith said, following the half-day session. “They said the Canton Province is beginning to export a lot of porcelain to Europe, and they would like to explore possible avenues in the United States.” Smith went on to add that the Canton Province has been known for its rich agricultural production. Many government and business leaders are starting to emphasize more economic development within their province, which includes the City of Hong Kong.

The Chinese delegation is also interested in setting up a sister county relationship between Pinal County and the Canton Province.

Chairman Smith had the chance to question the group on the growth that China is currently experiencing. “They said things were being developed at a rapid pace. China is becoming a larger player on the international stage.”

The chairman escorted the group on a tour of the Pinal County Governmental Complex in Florence. “The interpreter said that the business and government people were impressed with our operation here. They felt that we were very organized and modern.”

Businessman Chuen Ong arranged the trip to Pinal County. He is acting as an escort for the group on their visit to Arizona. After three days in Arizona, the group will move on to visit Las Vegas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York, Toronto and Vancouver before heading back to China.

Members of the Chinese delegation join Supervisor Sandie Smith during their visit to Pinal County.