Robstown gives its best business pitch to Chinese company
ROBSTOWN Interest? Check. Business relationships? Check. Investment capital? Check. All local officials now need to do is convince a Chinese delegation to invest as much as $20 million in Robstown.
Six division heads from Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) spent Thursday morning learning more about the proposed Robstown Trade Processing Inland Center, a distribution and logistics facility along U.S. Highway 77. The Chinese company is an investment firm that, among other things, develops aircraft, aviation parts and technology as well as provides services such as general aviation, medical service, construction survey and design, civil engineering and real estate development.
The delegation toured the area and the distribution center’s proposed site. Along the way, they glimpsed the infrastructure Robstown officials assured would allow easy access to the U.S. market.
Although a small town, Robstown contains a railroad and highway and is near the Corpus Christi International Airport and Port of Corpus Christi to efficiently move cargo throughout the country, U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, said.
Kexiong Shao, president of AVIC International Logistics, said his company is developing a model for shipping cargo overseas and is interested in the integrated distribution process because it addresses the concerns of suppliers and purchasers.
Concerns include purchasing goods directly from China, cost savings and a reliable third-party distributor. To make the company’s model work, local government support, a skilled workforce and adequate land and infrastructure is needed, Shao added.
J.J. Johnston, vice president of new industry for the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corp., said this visit was more than just gaining firsthand knowledge of the area’s assets. It was about continuing the strong relationship between the U.S. and China.
“China’s the fastest growing economy in the world and Texas ranked No. 1 in doing business with it,” Johnston said. “We have a strong, young and productive workforce of almost 300,000 in the region. We have a strong relationship already and are looking forward to building on it.”
The corporation supports Robstown officials but wasn’t directly involved in bringing the Chinese representatives, he added.
“The Robstown team brought them, and they deserve a lot of credit for doing it,” Johnston said. “It’s a huge feat to get them here because it’s hard to get visas, and division heads aren’t going to come all the way here unless they were serious.”
Tao Bian, the vice president of AVIC International Holding Corp., said their visit was a result of the passion for Robstown shown by Ortiz and Robstown Mayor Rodrigo Ramon.
“Our focus is on logistics but we’re looking at other aspects of the supply chain process,” Bian said. “Our trip is not only about investing here, but developing a long-term relationship with Robstown.”
© 2010 Corpus Christi Caller Times. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Similar Posts:
- Port to hear presentations from Naval Station Ingleside buyers
- Port commissioners vote on sale of NSI, tariff delay, cost of living increase
- Visitors bureau offers incentives for residents to help bring conventions to Corpus Christi
- Corpus Christi advertising federation names officers
- Chinese Hackers Crack Chamber of Commerce
