September 25, 2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
Last week, I shared an update on the results of a recent trade mission to Asia and this week I’d like to share some reflections and observations from our travels through several of the countries we visited.
The trade mission began in one of mainland China’s largest cities. With 20 million people, Shanghai is not just one of China’s largest cities, but one of the world’s largest cities. Its skyscrapers and the modern lifestyle of its residents are representative of the country’s economic boom, and it’s also produced leaders that have gone on to serve in China’s central government, headquartered in Beijing.
Our next stop was Hong Kong, which has a growing reputation as the land of the vertical. Skyscrapers cover the island, reaching higher than the surrounding mountains that dominate its southern coast. Developers have looked to the sky because there is no room to expand on the ground. The entire island is just 30 square miles, yet is home to nearly seven million people; making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world.
The fact that two-thirds of the world’s population can be reached in less than six hours by airplane is one of the reasons for Hong Kong’s rapid ascent as a business hub for international finance and trade. Its capitalist economy has been built on the principles of a free market, low taxation and limited government intervention and makes for an environment that’s very different from mainland China.
From there, we traveled a short distance by ferry to Macau where a surging tourism industry is creating record growth on the small island. We toured a brand new hotel and convention center complex that is literally one of the world’s largest commercial buildings. With 3,000 hotel rooms and a kitchen capable of staffing 1,500 cooks a day, to say that it was impressively large would be an understatement. Even our host had to stop to ask for directions during our visit.
My time in Hong Kong and Macau provided a great appreciation for the landscape and open space we enjoy here at home. It was also interesting to see that despite being home to roughly 10 percent of Japan’s total population, Tokyo has retained some truly remarkable green spaces that while massive in proportion are also meticulously cared for.
The trade mission ended in Taiwan, where we had a rare opportunity to experience witness the seemingly endless view of streets, buildings and homes from Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building. The view was astounding but what made our stay in Taiwan so memorable was the warmth and kindness of the people we met, which was much like that of Nebraskans.
We met many kind, professional, respectful, and courteous people throughout this trade mission. And while most of the meetings with dignitaries required the assistance of a translator, it was easy to connect and exchange greetings through a smile.
Regardless of where we went, the protocol was the same. A short meeting between leaders that began with a bow and a handshake and ended with the exchange of small gifts and a pronouncement of friendship is the key to opening new doors of opportunity for businesses here at home.
This trade mission provided the opportunity to expand our international relationships with several key Asian provinces and countries, and while it resulted in some very successful deals for many of the delegates who participated, ultimately the real value will come from the new relationships that were formed.
Nebraska has much to offer this quickly growing part of the world, and my hope is that educational institutions and businesses here in our state can continue to play a role in supporting the growth occurring in so many of the cities we toured.
