Local businesses are hoping to spread a little aloha in China in an effort to the get the Chinese to spread a little cash back here in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism is rounding up
Local businesses are hoping to spread a little aloha in China in an effort to the get the Chinese to spread a little cash back here in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism is rounding up Hawaii businesses and cultural groups to join it in a Hawaii expo this summer in Shanghai, the largest city in China.
Peter McClaran, owner of Asia Gallery in Kapa‘a, is eyeballing the prospects of the China trip.
“I think it’s a brilliant thing,” McClaran said. “The Chinese love American things, but they don’t know much about Hawaii. I’m definitely thinking of going.”
Like most businesses in Hawaii, McClaran imports from China. But he understands the importance of the Chinese market which, at 1.2 billion strong, is a tantalizing market to tap.
“I probably go there five times a year and bring my furniture in from China,” McClaran said. “The Chinese are working so hard right now. It’s inevitable that they’re going to be more and more prosperous.”
Nearly 12 million Chinese tourists went abroad in the first eight months of 2003, and that number is projected to soar to 50 million by 2010 and 100 million by 2020.
Chinese make up less than one percent of Hawaii’s visitors. It might be time for Hawaiians to go to them, DBEDT says.
“Interested businesses and entrepreneurs are invited to explore a vast new market for Hawaii’s arts, culture, products and services,” DBEDT said. “Hawaii sponsors and participants will have the opportunity to secure a limited amount of exhibitor booths.”
The new Xintiandi entertainment district in Shanghai promotes themed events during the year and has chosen Hawaii as its theme for July. The expo will be held there July 24-31.
Events International is working with DBEDT on the event, which will include performances by Kapena, Halau Hula Olana and Makana and a Hawaii fashion show.
“We have a travel package that will include round-trip air from Honolulu, accommodations, visa & immigration fees and Shanghai Airport-to-hotel ground transportation,” said Events International Coordinator David Booth.
The fourth largest country by size and the largest by population, China is the seventh largest economy, but the World Bank predicts that by 2025 it will account for a quarter of all world economic activity.
Expo sponsors include DBEDT, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Ko Olina Resort & Marina, DFS, Hawaii’s Own, Outrigger and Hawaii Tourism Asia.
Kaua‘i companies should contact DBEDT’s Investment and Business Analysis Branch, either Dennis Ling at
dling@dbedt.hawaii.gov or Richard Bahar at rb@dbedt.hawaii.gov.
