JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
China may be on the other side of the planet from Mississippi, but state leaders are hoping to bring the two places a little closer together economically.
"International trade, international business is a long term prospect," said Christensen.
Mississippi Development Authority executive director Brent Christensen helped to welcome Hong Kong Commissioner Donald Tong to the Magnolia State Wednesday with the hope of selling the state as the place to do business.
"When you're trying to expand an economy like we are in Mississippi, it's not just domestic business that your trying to expand, it's international business," said Christensen.
Currently Hong Kong is the state's 26th largest trading partner. Christensen says with the Asian city's global position, that trade should be much higher. With the world's third busiest container port, Commissioner Tong say Hong Kong is an important launching platform for mainland Chinese companies to go oversees, to places like Mississippi.
"We know that you are very strong in agricultural products, in furniture, in chemical products and aerospace products. You're very strong in innovation technology. You also have some of the best research universities out here," said Tong.
Commissioner Tong says Mississippi businesses can even look to Hong Kong as an export destination for Mississippi made products.
"By going through Hong Kong, you can test your products in Hong Kong, which one will work better for example with clothing, which size and which color," said Tong.
Christensen says building those international relationships, both economically and culturally, can help to usher in business expansion but says it's not an overnight process.
"All that translates into more jobs, more and better jobs for the average Mississippian," said Christensen.
Christensen also presented a proclamation from the governor declaring Wednesday as Mississippi-Hong Kong day.
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