Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced today that she was invited to attend the 2009 “Invest in New York” trade mission to China. The trip is organized by the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) and the New York in China Center.

Lupardo is paying for the trip herself. She will not be reimbursed for her expenses by either the New York State Assembly or her campaign.

Also participating in the trip is Hari Srihari, PhD, Distinguished Professor and Dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University. The delegation of 26 members is comprised of business representatives, academics and state legislators from different regions of New York.

"I am pleased to be traveling to China with Dean Srihari, from the School of Engineering at Binghamton University. We are both interested in learning how the Chinese are approaching the field of microelectronics,” said Lupardo. “In addition, I will be focused on promoting New York tourism, including agri-tourism."

"Invest in New York" aims to promote New York State as a destination for Chinese investors. It is modeled after the "Invest in America" initiative by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

While in China, Lupardo and the delegation will visit Beijing, Nanjing, Changzhou and Shanghai, from October 9-18, 2009. Focusing on some of the most important cities of China, the trip will provide participants with the opportunity to visit and meet with leaders of regions and cities that are keys to China's economic growth.

“Invest in New York” will help identify the need for specific investments, products and services that can strengthen economic development and expansion of trade in fields ranging from technology and tourism, to construction and business services. The trade mission to China will also provide high-level introductions and meetings with the business and political leaders at national, provincial and municipal levels.

Participants of these trade missions will:

• Learn about China as a developing market economy
• Understand the key role of the government in promoting and supporting economic development and foreign investment
• Participate in high-level business networking and relationship-building sessions
• Become familiar with financial incentives available for foreign investors