Celebrating Alabama/ China Trade Relations

by Ellis Eskew

Thursday night representatives from China and state and local officials came together to celebrate the relationship Alabama has with the country… Especially in the trade industry.

Troy University is home to the state’s Confucius Institute that helps educate students in the Chinese language, history and culture.
Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield says the institute has helped with business with China in the state and has given a boost to the economy.

 “Yes, when we saw the down turn in the economy, we expected to see exports really build. But the interesting thing is we’ve been breaking records as we’ve come out of the recession. So I think what that portends for us in the future that this is a signal that “Made in Alabama” really is resounding across the world,” said Canfield.

The Confuscius Institute has also helped in attracting business to Alabama like the Golden Dragon Copper Plant in Wilcox County.