Bowser Goes to China; Leads D.C. Delegation

Mayor Muriel Bowser is leading a D.C. delegation on an economic development mission through China, Nov. 7 to 14. The two major stops are Beijing and Shanghai.

Bowser met with Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun Nov. 9 to discuss Chinese investment opportunities in the District.  The mayors renewed a Sister City agreement between the two nation’s capitals.
 
“It was an honor to meet with Mayor Wang Anshun as we look to grow our cities’ economies and strengthen our partnership,” Bowser said. “Our delegation made it clear to Beijing that the District is open for business and now is the best time for them to invest in the nation’s capital. The extension of the Sister City agreement will also build on our shared priorities – arts and culture, technology, education, and tourism.”

Bowser also met with U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus — a former senator, who lived in Georgetown for many years — and discussed, along with diplomacy in China, D.C. business opportunities.

“This mission will demonstrate to our partners in China that the District is a thriving economy and a great investment,” Bowser said before the trip. “Our delegation represents the best of the nation’s capital, and we have an opportunity to both strengthen ties abroad and create more pathways to the middle class here at home. Our goal is to attract more direct foreign investment, generate jobs for DC residents, further diversify our local economy and bolster tourism in the nation’s capital.”

Bowser is being accompanied by other District officials. Among them are Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, Brian Kenner, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, D.C.’s chief financial officer Jeff DeWitt and John Falcicchio, the mayor’s chief of staff.

The delegation also includes representatives from Children’s Medical Center, D.C. Chamber of Commerce, D.C. Economic Partnership, Destination D.C., Federal City Council, Georgetown University and the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh criticized Bowser Nov. 5 for being a little too cozy with a few contributors and developers, namely Buwa Binitie and Richard Lake, whose company purchased the Wisconsin Avenue and P Street property, which Marvelous Market and Neams Market once occupied. Both are part of the D.C. China delegation.

The Bowser delegation heads next to Shanghai.