Ontario, California Increases Presence With New Business Office In Shenzhen, China
ONTARIO, Calif. (January 16, 2007) - The City of Ontario announced a partnership with Henry Wang, founder of American Business Development Consulting, Inc., to run the City of Ontario's new Shenzhen, China business office. The move marks Ontario's commitment to growing international trade by providing much needed Asian-based resources and contacts to Ontario companies interested in starting or expanding business activity in China.
According to the Department of Commerce, the number of U.S. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in trade activity with China has been rising much faster than the number of large companies over the past five years, clearly making it the number one major market for growth among the SMEs. With SMEs as the backbone of the Southern California economy, Ontario is taking the lead in ensuring the future success of its SMEs to do business in today's global marketplace.
The move also recognizes the vast economic importance of international trade in Ontario and the Inland Empire. According to Port Export Reporting Service (PIERS), total two way trade in 2004 for the Inland Empire was $8.1 billion. The City of Ontario led this regional activity with $2.8 billion in total 2004 trade or 38 percent of all Inland Empire trade.
The City of Ontario conducted its fifth trade mission in October 2006 to major cities in China, including Shenzhen. The purpose of the annual business-intensive trade mission is to facilitate meetings between Ontario business owners and Chinese companies. This year, the City modified its focus, working with a smaller number of companies that have already identified a need to be in China. In doing this, the City can ensure that investment made by the companies and City creates significant results.
Metric Machining Corp. joined the City on its October trade mission. The trip was so successful that since returning, they have opened an office in Shenzhen and hired a full-time engineer as a liaison with factories located throughout China. These steps will help Metric facilitate and build business with their customers in China more efficiently.
"We would not be in China if it weren't for the City of Ontario's proactive assistance. They created a path for us and saved us significant time and money in making our business goals in China a reality," stated Harry Smith, vice president, Metric Machining Corp, an Ontario-based manufacturer. "Even as a mid-size business, we need to think globally to succeed in this economy. Doing business in China will ensure that we stay competitive."
Smith noted that the company's efforts in China will permit him to grow his business and employee base in Ontario and abroad. "The City clearly has the best intentions for mid-sized companies like us. They value our business, recognizing that our success is their success," Smith added.
"Our work in China is about job and business growth for Ontario. The Shenzhen office is a valuable resource for following up on leads, securing contracts, and even attracting foreign investment to Ontario," said Paul S. Leon, Mayor of the City of Ontario. "Working in China can be challenging without the right resources and the City of Ontario is committed to educating local companies on how to do business globally. More importantly it's about helping these companies grow and thrive in Ontario."
Ontario's distinction as a primary choice for international trade is due to its strategic Southern California location at the center of a rapidly developing freight movement system that includes LA-Ontario International Airport, two railroads, four major freeways and an expanding network of freight forwarders. ONT is one of the fastest growing and ambitious cargo airports outside the booming Asia-Pacific market and home to United Parcel Service's Western Regional Hub providing direct flights to China. In 2003, ONT was listed among six of the best cargo airports in the world by the leading international airport magazine, Airport World. The Ontario Foreign Trade Zone is also significant to businesses involved in international trade. This envied transportation network links Ontario-based companies to the Ports of LA and Long Beach as well as western, national and international markets.
About the City of Ontario: Ontario is increasingly identified for the competitive advantages it provides to businesses that want to succeed in the global marketplace and for its growing importance to the state, national and international economies. Just 35 miles from Los Angeles and uniquely positioned within the hub of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, the City of Ontario is the "economic engine" of one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. It features an exceptional pro-business environment, competitive commercial lease rates, technical amenities, a skilled and abundant work force, and an innovation corridor of fourteen colleges and universities. These factors are driving one of the hottest office markets in the country with vacancy rates in the single digits and 2 million square feet under development. Three mixed-use projects are underway in the City bringing 24/7 lifestyle to a growing sector of young professionals.
As a major global gateway, Ontario is home to LA-Ontario International Airport (ONT), ONT is the second busiest air passenger facility in Southern California, handling 7.2 million people in 2005, and growing each year. ONT is projected to reach 30 million annual passengers by 2025.
For more information, visit www.ontariocalifornia.us.
Submitted by Amies Communications, Amies.com
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Posted at http://www.inlandempire.us/news/2007/01/ontario-california-increases-presence.html




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