Today’s marketplace spans the globe, and China is a country whose economic position is strengthening at an impressive rate. With an increasing number of Chinese companies considering an operation in the United States, the Henrico Economic Development Authority (HEDA) strives to establish a foothold in the world’s most populated country.

This past December, Frederick Agostino, HEDA executive director, B. Anthony Hall, HEDA director of marketing, and Gregory Wingfield, president of the Greater Richmond Partnership, embarked on a two-week trip to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Dalai to meet with companies and explain the many benefits of Henrico County and the Greater Richmond area.

The county’s efforts in China arose through a realization that there are a large number of small- to mid-sized Chinese businesses that want to open offices or warehouses in the United States but know little about their options. With the assistance of Forte International, a consultant in Shanghai, Agostino, Hall and Wingfield conducted multiple seminars in each city they visited. The attendees were primarily business owners in the early stages of considering locations within the United States.

According to Hall, “Chinese executives know the United States is a lucrative market, especially for exporting, but there is a large concern about market access.” The Authority can ease many worries by demonstrating that even a small business can acquire a significant market share. Among the area’s most important locational advantages are the deepwater ports in Hampton Roads, VA, and the regular container service to and from that area, which is a strong selling point.

Henrico County, realizing the need, established an office in China in 2003. “It is best to get Henrico County recognized as a brand name ahead of other locations. We want companies to think of us first as they begin planning for the U.S. marketplace,” Hall says. “Often the business owners have a preconceived notion that California is the place to be, and certainly California has many strong points, but Henrico County is more centrally located. The bulk of the U.S. population is within 800 kilometers.” Hall adds that Chinese businesses are also drawn to the easy access of major East Coast cities via I-95, I-64 and I-85.

Thus far, HEDA is pleased with its progress and plans additional trips to China. It is an evolving long-term project, and to date, several Chinese companies have located to Henrico County successfully.

Henrico County EDA Shanghai Office:
An Ji Mansion 760 Xi Zang Nan Road 1303
Shanghai 200011, China
Tel: (86) 21-6366-8180 or 6366-8160
Fax: (86) 21-6366-8260
E-mail: fortesh@sh163.net