Silicon Valley Mayors Join with China Silicon Valley on Landmark Investment Mission to China

San Francisco, CA – On Thursday 10 mayors and vice-mayors from Bay Area innovation hubs announced plans to travel to China this June in pursuit of green investment for their cities and connections with Chinese entrepreneurs and officials. The trip will be the largest-ever delegation of U.S. mayors to travel to China. Silicon Valley leaders attending the press conference included Mayor Ray Mueller of Menlo Park, Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci of Union City and Vice-mayor Robert Gottschalk of Millbrae.   “This trade mission to China presents an important opportunity to build a bridge for Chinese businesses and investors who choose to be a part of this very exciting, dynamic and innovative region,” said Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci of Union City who will be attending the trip. “New businesses and investors will be welcomed by business owners who have bridged their China-based operations with Bay Area business locations. From this trade mission, we hope to promote opportunities for additional new businesses and investors to build a prosperous future in Union City and the surrounding cities.”   Representatives from local media outlets, businesses and non-profits attended the press conference, which was held at the offices of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in San Francisco.   Exploring Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley leaders will dive into the centers of innovation, finance and politics in the world’s fastest-growing economy. Dialogue with high-ranking government officials will be complemented by visits to some of China’s leading private sector companies that are investing in California, including electric car manufacturer BYD.   “From Oakland’s redeveloped waterfront to research facilities in Palo Alto, these investment flows are already bringing good jobs, clean energy and innovative technology to both the Bay Area and China,” said Victor Wang, Co-President of China-Silicon Valley, the non-profit group organizing the trip. “The mayors’ visit will build on those successes and launch a new wave of investments that will inject life into local economies and communities.”   Following the press conference held at the Pillsbury offices in San Francisco, a contingent including over 10 Silicon Valley mayors, vice-mayors and former mayors attended a celebration dinner at the residence of Consul General Yuan Nansheng of the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. Silicon Valley mayors had a chance to converse with economic and political officials from the Chinese consulate, seeking out opportunities to fuse the innovation, capital and human potential that flourishes on both sides of the Pacific.

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