Connecticut’s well-traveled Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is going to China. The governor’s office announced today that Malloy has accepted an invitation to attend the World Economic Forum Summit in Tianjin, China, next month. The state will pick up the estimated cost of less than $20,000.
“Every day I wake up, I’m focused on figuring out different ways to create good-paying jobs with good benefits for Connecticut residents,” Malloy said in a statement. “To that end, while it sounds like a worn- out cliché, we truly do live in a global economy. When we recently announced the creation of a new multinational corporation that will be based in North Haven, I hope it sent a message to companies around the world that Connecticut is not only an alternative, but a prime place to grow and expand, and to create the kinds of good jobs we need here.”
Malloy will be the first Connecticut governor to visit China since William A. O’Neill in 1987. It will be his second major international trip as governor: In January, Malloy attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The governor will be in China from Sept. 8 to 16. He will be accompanied by Catherine Smith, the commissioner of econonomic development.
“If there’s one thing that’s a given in the 21st century economy, it’s that China will be a leading player on the world stage,” Malloy said. “I want to use this opportunity to do two things: convince Chinese companies that Connecticut is a great place to establish a presence in the United States, and let the Chinese know that Connecticut-based companies are ready and willing to do business with them too.”
Since taking office in January 2011, Malloy has been a frequent visitor to Washington and an active participant in meetings of the National Governors Association and Democratic Governors Association.