Two cultures found a similarity in their goals this month as Governor Haley Barbour welcomed a delegation from Changzhou, China during a trade and investment forum in Jackson.  The event was co-hosted by U.S. - China Chamber of Commerce, The Municipal Government of Changzhou, and the State of Mississippi.  The Chinese delegation consisted of over 30 members, one of the largest groups from China to Mississippi to date.  The forum was held at the Jackson Convention Complex, which was followed by a reception at the Governor's Mansion.  Forum participants took the Fondren Express from the Convention Center to the Mansion, and the guests from China experienced the ride and posed with the trolley and took photos.

Governor Barbour said during the event that Mississippi's trade situation has grown considerably. "Even in a recession," he added, "Mississippi saw export sales go up 16 percent in the last quarter compared to the same quarter last year." Siva Yam, president of the U.S.-China Chamber Commerce, said Changzhou and Mississippi are growing business centers.