OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire says her recent trade mission to China and Vietnam opened many doors for Washington exporters, but the biggest benefits will be in the coming years.
Gregoire and a delegation of nearly 80 state government, business and agricultural leaders spent 10 days last month in the two countries plugging Washington products and investment opportunities. The governor told a news conference Tuesday that increased trade will be critical to pulling the state out of the recession.
Gregoire says meeting people in person is essential to doing business in Asia, especially being introduced to the right people and developing their trust. She says that such relationships, along with familiarizing buyers with Washington products, will pay big dividends in the future.
