Cyrus Habib, elected to the state Senate in November, is taking part in a bipartisan trade mission to China that includes state and local officials from around the United States.
“Washington depends on international trade more than any other state, and China is one of our biggest markets,” said Habib (D-Kirkland), who was elected to the state Senate after serving one term in the state House. “This is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship, creating more trade and more jobs here in Washington state.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s foreign trade figures, China is Washington state’s biggest market for exports. In 2013, Washington state exported $16.7 billion worth of goods to China. The rest of the state’s Top 10 trading partners are: Canada, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and India.
Other members of the delegation include:
Lt. Gov., Rebecca Kleefisch (R-WI); state assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-64); state Rep. Clarice Navarro (R-CO-47); Commissioner Bridget Gainer (D-Cook County-10, IL); Mayor Michael Copeland (R-Olathe, KS); and Treasurer Tishaura Jones (D-St. Louis, MO).
