A top-ranking official from the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. is visiting Iowa’s capital city. The visit is hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is a return favor after Des Moines officials visited the Chinese embassy last year. Tom Rial is the Director of Government and International Relations for the Partnership. While the Chinese officials will visit with some state government officials, Rial says this trip is unusual because it’s based on business.He says that’s important because this trip is more about fostering business relationships, rather then political relationships. He says they’ve been discussing several issues with the Chinese official and his delegation.They’ve discussed China’s involvement in the World Trade Organization and its impact on China’s agriculture and U-S trade. Rial says Des Moines business leaders want to increase trade with China.He says there’s an opportunity in the financial services sector and in agricultural meat and grain products. The Chinese delegation is taking part in business seminars today and tomorrow.
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