Published November 13 2013
A top construction firm in China intends to open an office in Bellevue as a result of an agreement signed today in Beijing by Mayor Conrad Lee and the company's chairman.
The deal was one of two agreements finalized in Beijing, where a large Washington state trade mission, which includes Lee and representatives of Gov. Jay Inslee's office, are working on business and investment opportunities with China.
"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to represent Bellevue on this important trade mission. The MOUs we have signed will help to promote international business development through construction and engineering projects," said Mayor Lee of the agreements. "I look forward to building stronger cultural and economic relations between China and Washington that will result in greater economic growth and investment in Bellevue, our region and our state."
Among today's developments of particular interest to Bellevue, are the following:
- Construction and engineering: Under a memorandum of understanding between Bellevue and Beijing Construction and Engineering Group International, signed by Lee, BCEG will explore options for opening an office in Bellevue. The construction company, one of the biggest in China, has more than 400 managers in dozens of offices worldwide; and
- Technology and innovation: Bellevue and the Chaoyang District of Beijing signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate cross-border investments in the technology, media and telecommunications sectors. The parties will promote technology innovation in both cities, and Chaoyang could open a small office in Bellevue.
The state's trade mission to Asia, with more than 100 delegates, began Monday in Japan and will conclude next week in Shenzhen, China. Photos from the trade mission are available on the governor's Facebook page.