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City officials seek rapport with Asia
By Stephanie Flemmons, Staff Writer
Five city officials will jet off July 28 and land in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, to seek business relationships and celebrate Hsinchu’s 25th anniversary as a provincial city.
Mayor Pat Evans, city council members Harry LaRosiliere and Jean Callison, Director of Economic Development Sally Bane and Public Safety Officer Liu Yuan will represent Plano overseas.
Evans said the trip has a dual purpose: promoting economic and cultural exchanges.
Mayor of Hsinchu City, Junq-Tzer Lin, came to Plano and personally invited city officials to take a part in the celebration.
“They have made three trips to Plano, so it would have been embarrassing if we didn’t accept,” said Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Sally Magnuson, who traveled to Hsinchu City to promote economic development two years ago.
Plano and Hsinchu City share a sister-city relationship. This concept was formed after World War II to help promote cultural understanding between nations.
“When you’re dealing with the Chinese or anyone in Asia, it takes time to build relationships,” Magnuson said. “In the process of doing that, contacts established will have a great potential for turning business progression locally. It’s important to develop a level of trust before doing business.”
Magnuson said both Plano and Hsinchu City are active in telecommunications. She added when she visited the different areas of Taiwan and China, the intent was to lay groundwork for future communication.
“China has a positive affect on the world economy and their growing technology influences the world,” Magnuson said. “The city of Plano doesn’t want to be behind. We want them to bring their influence here as opposed to other European countries.”
Future Wei is one China-based company expanded to Plano with its North-American headquarters.
Assistant City Manager Bruce Glasscock said Plano’s Community Outreach budget includes funds allocated for travel expenses, which will fund the five city officials’ trip. The budget has $75,000, which he said covers a number of city expenses.
Glasscock said the final cost of the trip can’t be determined until city official’s return. He did add airfare cost is $12-$15,000 for the five people.
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