"Washington State: Sichuan Province’s First Sister State”
May 24, 2005
 Jin-jiang Hotel
Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

See the accompanying slide presentation (click on the "slide show" icon in lower right corner to view it in full-screen size)

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government for their generosity, making it possible for me to visit this lovely area again. But, more importantly, for having the vision and initiative to bring people of the world together to talk about cooperation and build long lasting and meaningful relationships. These efforts can only result in better understanding among the people of the world.

October 11, 1982 the State of Washington and Sichuan Province signed a formal Relationship of Friendship in Chengdu that opened the doors for this Cooperation and Development Week. It was the first, not only in our state, but in our nation with The Peoples Republic of China. 2 ½ years ago I was honored to participate in the 20th Anniversary celebration of this accord here in Chengdu.

The sister state agreement between Sichuan Province and the State of Washington was, and still is, an excellent match because we have so many similarities.

We share the pursuit of rescuing and restoring our national symbols and our environments simultaneously . . . you - the Pandas and the exciting announcement May 9th that a Giant Panda Museum will be constructed in Chengdu. For us it is the Pacific Salmon and the great Bald Eagle, symbols recognized around the world.

We share the preservation of our beautiful rivers and streams . . . the mighty Columbia River that flows through Washington State to the Pacific Ocean and the Pitiao River of Sichuan Province.

We also have in common great majestic mountains. The most prominent of the Puget Sound is the Cascade Mountain Range and beautiful Mount Rainier with its rich biodiversity;
And here you enjoy the many significant mountains of Sichuan Province with their pristine and diverse environments.

Fortunately for the people of the world agriculture is a very important contributor to both of our economies helping to feed millions world wide. I was amazed how much the skylines of Seattle and Shanghai look alike. Each is a world-class port and a major financial center for their respective regions. Manmade landmarks dominate our skylines; in Seattle we have the Space Needle and in Chengdu the Wenshu Temple.

We are all here enjoying the hospitality and natural beauty of Sichuan Province; let me share with you a little about our beautiful, vibrant and unique part of the world, our state the state of Washington.

Now when I say Washington the first thing that comes to peoples minds is our nation’s capital Washington D.C. but in fact we are 2700 miles northwest from there. The state of Washington is the very northwest corner of continental United States bordering British Columbia, Canada.

Another way to look at us is our convenient location equal distance between the European markets and the Asian markets. In fact the State of Washington is 30 hours closer for shipping to and from the Asian markets than any other major port on the West Coast of the U.S.

This has helped us to become the 4th largest exporter in the U.S. and has contributed to China becoming our 3rd largest export market.

The world comes to Washington State for the finest most reliable aircraft, the most state of the art and advanced technology and relies on our state to help feed the world.

Our technological advances and research universities have made our state an incredible draw for international students with over 11,000 students from around the world attending our Universities.

The Boeing Company, Microsoft, and Starbucks have put us on the world map, but in fact those companies, albeit important are only a couple of the thousands of other businesses that make up our economy. Everything from Jones Reed Company which makes double reeds for symphony orchestra instruments like oboes and bassoons to electronic components that you most likely will find in your home or office by A/D Electronics.

And when you finally get some time off, we welcome you to join the thousands of visitors to Washington State every year that enjoy our majestic mountains and ski slopes..….. our ecologically pristine Islands and Ocean Beaches……… our vibrant, cosmopolitan cities……. our professional football, baseball or basketball games or any of the other exciting and unique activities available to you and your family.

When you arrive in Washington State you will find a familiar site, McDonald’s restaurants are everywhere!

When we think of McDonald’s we think of kids the driving force behind all the good things we try to accomplish as parents, grandparents, government and civic leaders. We want the best for them and we all work very hard to make all their dreams come true! I know we will accomplish great things here in Sichuan this week that will help us build a better tomorrow for the children of China and the United States of America.

Thank you for your very kind attention and I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible during this great conference.