Governor leads mission to China, South Korea

Advertiser Staff

A contingent of at least 115 people from Hawai'i will embark on a trade and cultural mission to China and South Korea early next month.

Gov. Linda Lingle, who is leading the trip, is tentatively set to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing.

While in Beijing, the governor also will officially open the Hawai'i Business and Tourism Office. It is only the second such office opened by a U.S. state in China.

In South Korea, Lingle is hoping to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan and other leaders.

Among those joining the governor will be University of Hawai'i interim president David McClain and a number of other key UH officials, as well as representatives from more than 40 Hawai'i businesses.

Ted Liu, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said the 10-day trip will focus on business, educational, tourism, architectural and tourism development services and technology, and culture and the arts.

The contingent will leave June 8 and return June 19.

The governor's office estimated the cost of sending Lingle, McClain, five lawmakers and about 25 other state officials at about $151,000. Three staff members from the governor's office are paying their own way. Private industry is paying part of the bill for about eight DBEDT officials. Liu said businesses are helping to pay for other costs.