LANSING – Several Asian companies have expressed interest in Michigan, and Governor Rick Snyder told reporters Tuesday that his eight-day mission to Japan, China and South Korea “went better than expected.”
Snyder also said he was planning trade missions to Europe and back to Asia in 2012, though he did not have dates.
Companies in the automotive, battery and agriculture industries expressed interest in Michigan as a location, Snyder said, and had “done their homework” on changes the state was making in its tax, budget and regulatory systems.
Snyder did not name the companies that expressed interest, nor did he say when he thought they might make a decision.
Other states have developed trade offices in China and Snyder was asked if Michigan was planning to do so, but said there was no “imminent intent” to set up an office there. In part that is because of the state’s financial situation, he said.
And Snyder said meeting with officials and executives would be the way for the state to build enhanced relationships for the time being.
Snyder also said, that while he did not get a chance to see anything of the three countries aside from hotels and meeting rooms, tourism was discussed frequently. Many officials were interested in Michigan having 11,000 lakes and open spaces to play golf and relax.
Asian officials and executives had not been exposed to some of the facts about the state’s geography and recreation potential, Snyder said.
Snyder said that next spring he is planning a trade trip to Europe and late next summer or fall he is planning a trip again to Asia.
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