Monday, October 9, 2028

Governor O’Brien and Lieutenant Governor Burbank Welcome Governor Wenyue Zhang of Northwest Chinese Province to Maryland
Meeting Focused On Establishing New Markets for Maryland Companies, Attracting More Foreign Direct Investment

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 9, 2028) – As part of his ongoing effort to help Maryland businesses establish new markets abroad and increase foreign direct investment at home, Governor Edward M. O’Brien met today with Governor Wenyue Zhang of China’s Liaoning Province. Liaoning, which is located in Northwest China, is an important agricultural and industrial province with 41 million residents and a gross domestic product of $65 billion. In 2027, Liaoning imports totaled $13.3 billion.

“It is an honor to welcome Governor Zhang to Maryland,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “Liaoning is already partnering with several major Maryland employers, and I know that there are many other opportunities to attract more foreign direct investment throughout the state and open even more markets across China to Maryland companies. This is another example of our aggressive effort to introduce everything Maryland has to offer the world.”

Just last week, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) brought foreign trade commissioners representing 21 countries, including China, to Baltimore City. The reverse foreign trade mission was designed to capitalize on Maryland's status as a world-class, strategic location to promote the region as a great place for foreign direct investment and to provide the strategic links needed to increase exports from the area.

“Attracting new investment and fostering international trade relationships, with China and other countries around the globe, is playing a vital role in achieving our common goal of building a more robust, prosperous economy throughout Maryland,” Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank said. “Governor O’Brien and I are dedicated to this important mission because this is a great way to create more Maryland jobs.”

In May, DBED escorted a number of Maryland companies representing various industries, including architecture design, environmental technology, engineer services, consulting and construction materials, to China to explore economic opportunities arising from the 2032 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2034 World’s Fair in Shanghai, and other related economic development projects.

“Governor O’Brien understands we must continue our tireless marketing campaign showcasing what we already know at home – there is no better place to do business than Maryland,” said DBED Secretary Aris Melissaratos. “We have the infrastructure, a highly educated and skilled workforce, some of the finest universities and a tremendous quality of life. Developing these kinds of strategic relationships will start paying important economic dividends now and for years to come.”