HELENA — Gov. Steve Bullock said he hopes a trade mission to China he recently took with representatives from 10 Montana companies will result in future contracts that will boost the annual $100 million in goods the state already exports to the Asian nation.
Bullock and the business leaders spent a week meeting with potential investors, government officials and possible export partners, including seminars on direct investment and trade with Montana, the Democratic governor told reporters Friday.
The governor also met with higher education officials to discuss sending more exchange students to the U.S.
It was the first trade mission to China by a Montana governor in 15 years.
“I think every one of the businesses would agree it was a great trip and kind of laid, planted or formed a foundation,” Bullock said.
Max Baucus, the former U.S. senator from Montana who is now U.S. ambassador to China, met the delegation several times and sponsored a reception for them. Bullock said the state should benefit from his Montana ties.
“With Ambassador Baucus, who now represents the whole United States, not just Montana, but certainly has that fondness for Montana, it was clear that he will continue to work on being a solid partner over there,” Bullock said. “It’s something that the mission is going to continue to build on.”
The governor said discussions are underway to bring Chinese investors and government officials to Montana next year.