Michigan has much to gain with a China connection

It may be uncomfortable for us in Michigan to talk about China, but it is time to get over that reluctance and face the reality of our changing world.

I just returned from my sixth trade mission to China, our largest delegation thus far, engaging 26 delegates interested in learning more about China or looking to further the relationships they’ve already begun. Every delegation never ceases to amaze me. Both first-time delegates and returning members seem to have jaw-dropping experiences.

One thing is certain: China and its economy are as real as they get, and there’s no chance of them going away. Just this year, China passed Japan, becoming the world’s second-largest economy. With the combination of continual global growth and capital to invest, the sooner we understand the need for our region and state to capture the momentum of the global economy the better off we will be.

From currency manipulation to unfair barriers, no one is denying that international issues exist among the U.S., China and other parts of the world. Through six trade missions over the course of the past five years, Wayne County has built relationships with government and business, resulting in local investment. Now, more than ever, is the time to seriously determine if Michigan can overcome its own hurdles to step up as a major player in driving the U.S. to continued world dominance.

My trade missions have taught me how Michigan, and our region, can win by engaging China. First and foremost, we need to open our doors for business and induce Chinese investment in our region. It can be done. In Wayne County alone, there are 40 Chinese companies that have invested in the skills, knowledge and resources our region has to offer.

The missions have resulted in success stories, such as recruitment of Tempo Automotive, resulting in research and development jobs, as well as joint ventures, with the most recent being the acquisition of Nexteer Automotive. This acquisition is a great example of labor, business and government coming together to negotiate new UAW contracts and saving 600 jobs in Saginaw.

More positive results of the missions are creating jobs in Michigan. Many people may not realize the companies participating in the delegations to China pitch projects and compete for contracts, resulting in work coming back to our region.

Ann Arbor-based Atwell Hicks has partnered with Chinese organizations to perform environmental work by enlisting their expertise in a Yangtze River project. Also, SmithGroup, a national architecture and engineering firm, is hiring Michigan people to design a hospital in Shanghai.

The bottom line: The knowledge, skills and attributes needed to complete these projects come from and are done in Michigan.

Some have said that it is dangerous politically for me, as a Democratic officeholder, to lead trade missions. My response is simple: I am, first, an American, a father who wants jobs and economic growth in my country and state.

Many of us remember the early 1980s, when a popular bumper sticker asked the last one out of Michigan to turn out the lights. I’m glad to say the critics were wrong then, and they are wrong now. Decades ago we watched other foreign automotive investment locate in Alabama and South Carolina. Now, more than ever, we can’t afford to be complacent.

Now is the time to drop any reluctance and get serious about bringing jobs back to Michigan. It takes time and relationships to build opportunities with foreign investors, and during the past five years, we’ve positioned Michigan to be part of the foreign investment discussion. And we’ve only begun.

Let’s make sure we welcome economic growth opportunities for our children and grandchildren, as being a go-to location for investment helps Michigan begin its new way forward.

This article appeared in the Detroit Free Press on December 5, 2010.