Governor Quinn Announces Agreement to Boost Trade Between Illinois and China

CHICAGO – January 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced an agreement to strengthen Illinois’ trade with China. Under the agreement, the Beijing International Brand Management Center (BIBMC) will set up “American Goods Distribution Centers” in Beijing and Shanghai to promote Illinois products and services in China, and an “American Goods Purchase Center” in Chicago to encourage Chinese investment in Illinois.

“Today’s agreement will boost small- and mid-sized businesses throughout Illinois, while ensuring that our state remains a leader in the global marketplace,” said Governor Quinn. “This partnership will provide Illinois businesses with the tools they need to enter the Chinese market and continue to grow our economy.”

Under the agreement, the state will recommend Illinois products to the BIBMC – particularly in the agricultural, auto parts and construction machinery sectors – and will assist with the establishment of the American Goods Purchase Center in Chicago. Through the distribution centers, BIBMC will provide intellectual property rights protection, Chinese distribution development, channel construction, marketing and other comprehensive services to Illinois companies in China.

“By setting up two American Goods Centers in the Chaoyang District of Beijing and the Changning District of Shanghai, the International Brand Management Center will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ to promote Illinois products and services to be sold in the Chinese market. The centers will also be an important platform to promote Chinese investment to Illinois,” said Mr. Tan Li, Vice Director, China Association of International Trade, Beijing International Brand Management Center.

“Establishment of these distribution centers in Beijing and Shanghai is a strategic decision that will help put the state in an extremely competitive position as we continue our efforts to market Illinois globally,” said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “These centers give us an opportunity to further investment and trade in China and around the world.”

China is Illinois' third largest export destination, and Illinois is among the top five states in agricultural exports to China. Illinois agriculture exports to China have increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $552 million in 2009. Illinois' overall exports to China in 2009 reached $2.47 billion. In the first nine months of 2010, Illinois’ exports to China reached $2.33 billion, representing a 37.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2009. More than 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois residents.