Ohio opens Beijing office

The state already had an economic development office in Shanghai. This new one will cost taxpayers $50,000.

The state now has 14 economic development offices open around the world.

Here's the full release:

COLUMBUS – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the opening of the Ohio Department of Development’s new international office in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. The office is managed through the Department’s Global Markets Division, formerly the International Trade Division.

“Our new Beijing office complements our existing Shanghai office while reinforcing our commitment to strengthening Ohio’s presence overseas,” said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Our state remains committed to fostering new relationships and growing our economy in collaboration with our new and existing global partners.”

The Global Markets Division promotes the export of Ohio products and services to strengthen Ohio's economy, advance its leadership position in the global marketplace, and promote Ohio as a location for foreign direct investment. The new offices bring the total of Ohio’s international offices from 11 to 14. Ohio announced in February the opening of new offices in Sydney, Australia, and New Delhi, India.

“Adding to our existing Ohio China Center in Shanghai enables us to more effectively service our Ohio exporters and potential Chinese investors throughout China,” said Deborah Scherer, Director of the Ohio Department of Development’s Global Markets Division. “Our work through our international offices and Columbus headquarters continues to help Ohio remain the only state in the nation whose exports have increased for each of the past 10 years.”

Funding for the new office is $50,000 in total per year and was secured in the biennium budget for Fiscal Years 2008-2009. Ohio's other international trade offices are located in Brussels, Belgium; Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai and Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; Toronto, Canada; Tel Aviv, Israel; Mexico City, Mexico; Săo Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Global Markets Division promotes the export of Ohio products and services to strengthen Ohio's economy, advance its leadership position in the global marketplace, and promote Ohio as a location for foreign direct investment. The Global Markets Division has 51 people in its Columbus headquarters and worldwide operations.

For more information about Ohio's Global Markets Division go to http://www.development.ohio.gov/itd