Chamber Promotes China Trip

Topeka area business people, their families, colleagues and friends will have the opportunity to learn more about an important trading partner, China, during a nine-day tour sponsored by the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce next March to Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.

There will be a free orientation session Thursday, June 18, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Ramada. Mr. Leo Liu, owner of Citslinc International, Inc., a California-based company that promotes economic growth and trade through cultural and business missions, will be present to answer questions and familiarize attendees with details of the trip. There is no charge to attend the orientation, but RSVP is requested by calling Marsha Sheahan at 234-2644. Anyone interested in the trip is invited to attend.

Participants will depart Friday, March 12, 2010, and return Saturday, March 20. The itinerary emphases Chinese history, culture and arts, and there will be bus tours through key economic development zones in two of the cities.

“Chinese business people build relationships first,” says Liu. “This cultural exchange is a great opportunity for Topeka’s current and future business leaders to learn more about China and to begin establishing the connections needed to successfully navigate the market.”

The trip is all-inclusive and costs $1,899 per person for double occupancy accommodations. Along with lodging, the fee covers round trip airfare from LAX to China, bus and air travel in China, three meals per day, English-speaking tour guides and entrance fees to tourist attractions.

Registration is open to the general public. Passports and travel visas are required, along with a non-refundable deposit of $200 at the time of registration. Full payment is required by December 1, 2009. Marketing partners include Jade Travel and Cruise Holidays.

“China has an economic growth strategy that we can learn from,” says Doug Kinsinger, president & CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. “They like the rest of the world, are searching for ways to keep momentum going given the economic downturn. For companies wanting to invest and do businesses there, the Chinese have specifically targeted the automotive, textile, technology and ship-building industries. The bio-medical, petro-chemical, finance and retail segments are also a primary trade focus.”