The Heilongjiang Province is located in extreme northeast China and borders Russia. It has established economic and trade relations with more than 150 countries and regions with a total import and export volume exceeding $2.99 billion.

The visiting delegation was hosted by the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the sixth annual U.S. Pan Asian American EXPO held at the Arlington Convention Center on Thursday.

The Expo introduced The US-China Business Connection, a new program aimed at connecting Corporate and Asian suppliers to Chinese companies. These efforts blend with the Arlington Economic Development Strategy that focuses on partnership-based participation in the global arena. 

Mayor Pro Tempore Ron Wright officially welcomed the international guests and, on behalf of Mayor Robert Cluck, proclaimed August 24, 2007 as Heilongjiang Province Day. 

“In collaboration with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, we are committed to developing international opportunities to enhance economic growth through trade relations,” he said.

Following a presentation by Arlington Economic Development Manager Robert Sturns and an official gift exchange, delegates shared conversation and refreshments with Arlington elected officials and executive staff.