According to Governor Rick Snyder’s office, in 2012 Michigan companies exported 22 percent more goods and materials to China than during the previous year. Chinese foreign investment reached $1 billion.
Such numbers make clear why Governor Snyder on Wednesday left for China and Japan on a nine-day investment mission. This is the governor’s third trip to Asia since taking office, illustrating his commitment to bringing more direct foreign investment into the state.
Tom Watkins joins us to help explain Michigan’s business connections to China. He’s an expert on China, a former state superintendent of schools and the new director of the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Authority.