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On Saturday, May 3, 2008 the City of Fremont completed its trade mission to China. The official delegation representing the City on the 8-day trade mission included City Councilmember Bob Wieckowski; Deputy City Manager Melissa Dile; Economic Development Coordinator Angela Tsui; Economic Development Advisory Commissioners Teresa Cox (EDAC Chair), Sheena Chang, and Nancy Lee; Planning Commissioner Sue Chan; and Ohlone Board of Trustees President Garrett Yee.
The delegation met with government officials (including the District and Deputy Governors of Luwan Shanghai, the Party Secretary of Suzhou, and the Mayor of Wujiang City) and business executives from Fremont-based companies such as AsteelFlash, Lam Research, BizLink Technology, and Wellex. Such meetings are vital in strengthening the City's existing relationships with growing Fremont companies.
"This is a very exciting opportunity for Fremont to learn how best to position itself as part of the global economy," Councilmember Bob Wieckowski said. "The growth in China is phenomenal and we should leverage Fremont's strengths to be a part of that growth."
The trade mission focused on the Shanghai area and included the neighboring cities of Suzhou, Wujiang, and Kunshan. As part of the itinerary, the delegation met with the U.S. Embassy/U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service in Shanghai. This meeting proved helpful as the delegation learned of new opportunities and methods for promoting Fremont to the Chinese market. As a conclusion to the trade mission schedule, the City held a reception for 33 people to thank existing Fremont businesses with facilities in the Shanghai area and other key individuals for their commitment to Fremont. As an added benefit, this event provided a networking opportunity for the guests, all of whom have ties to Fremont.
One of the most valuable lessons learned by members of the trade mission delegation was the importance of what the Chinese know as "guanxi" or relationships. Relationships are very important to people who make decisions to invest and build - relationships are created over the long term and involve a constant commitment to nurture them. Delegation members learned government officials play an important role in business and economic development in China, and that building relationships with people who will be making future decisions about locating sales points or creating partnerships with American companies will be important. By fostering those relationships the City helps existing and future Fremont companies that wish to do business in China.
"We are following up with the initial foundation begun in 2002," said City Manager Fred Diaz. "It is important to maintain and nurture these relationships that we hope will translate into investment and economic benefit for the City of Fremont and Fremont businesses."
Next steps include the preparation of a formal report to the City Council for the May 27, 2008 Council meeting summarizing the trade mission. City officials and staff will continue to identify ways in which to adapt the City's economic development strategy to the growing global economy.
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