The Midwest China Hub Commission and the American Society of Transportation and Logistics signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Shanghai, China on December 1 to partner on an effort to make the Lambert St. Louis International Airport a center for Chinese airfreight connections.
In the agreement, the two parties have committed to working together on establishing new airfreight routes between St. Louis and China; hosting and coordinating inbound and outbound transportation; organizing logistics and supply chain management delegation visits; and boosting trade between the United States and China.
“Bilateral trade between Missouri and China is on the rise as exports comprise a key component of improving our economy,” said Dan Mehan, president and CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and chairman, Midwest-China Hub Commission.
The delegation included representatives from more than a dozen area businesses and two universities that met with Chinese leaders. County Executive Charlie A. Dooley joined the trip to Shanghai led by the World Trade Center St. Louis and Kit Bond Strategies.
“There is no substitute for personal relationships. That’s why I’m here,” said Dooley. “Growing exports from our region is extremely important as we see our economy rebounding. Whatever I can do to support our local companies and strengthen ties abroad is a priority for me.”
Kit Bond discussed the trip in terms of the “Big Idea” set forth by Paul McKee Jr. and Steve Stone when they led the initial push for a Midwestern China Hub that was foiled by setbacks in the state Legislature.
“For years stakeholders across the state, on both sides of the aisle, in the private and public sectors, have worked together to turn the ‘Big Idea’ into reality,” said Bond, chairman of Kit Bond Strategies.
“Forging a partnership with the shippers, carriers, and other members up and down the supply chain key to moving Missouri products to China is critical progress.”
The American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L), which focuses transportation, logistics, and supply chain management, is made up of the shippers, carriers and partners essential to trade.
The agreement is the latest development in a bipartisan effort by members of the Missouri congressional delegation, state and local officials, and private sector representatives to establish St. Louis as the hub for transportation and commerce between the Midwest and China.
Most recently, last year an agreement was negotiated with China Cargo Airlines for dedicated airfreight service between St. Louis and Shanghai, resulting in the inaugural landing at Lambert Airport in September 2011. Midwest China Hub supporters say the project will support Missouri companies, create jobs for Missouri workers, and open markets for Missouri products.
“Our driving mission is to open doors and create strong new relationships on this trade mission,” said Tim Nowak, executive director, World Trade Center St. Louis. “All the companies and educational institutions on this mission benefit from his expertise. This is a rapidly growing market and an important one for our region.”
