President Obama has it right when he recently declared, "We can't send a protectionist message." Michigan needs to send a message to the world--- we are open to business and investment!

A scene in Detroit

Let's invite the Chinese leaders to Michigan. That's right, let's invite President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to see the splendor of our state and take a few billion dollars of our products back to China.

The China Economic Blog www.china-economics-blog.blogspot.com recently reported that China will set up “procurement missions” to buy goods and technologies in Europe in an effort to stem protectionist sentiment. Wen Jiabao said the procurement trips would be established as soon as possible. During a recent visit, China signed 38 contracts worth 15 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) with EU member countries. Wen said, its "not a huge amount, (and) that is why we have decided to send a purchase group later to place significant orders in Europe."

The announcement underlines Beijing's anxiety that the global financial crisis will prompt a new wave of protectionism, which would be damaging to China; the second largest exporter in the world.

During tough economic times there is a tendency to want to erect trade barriers to keep the world out. There is a chorus of "Buy American" being sung across the land. Clea rly, "all politics is local." However, in today's world, all business, trade and economics are global.

Remember Smoot/Hawley
Reed Smoot and Willis Hawlley, lawmakers from the depression era, are accused of exacerbating the Great Depression by raising tariffs and economic nationalism.

America and the world cannot afford to make these mistakes in the 21st century intertwined, global economy.

"Buy American" campaigns may buy politicians votes, but will unleash and spread global economic nationalism that will strangle economies around the world, and the undertow will drown us all.

Leadership often means going against the grain. While Congress attempts to erect trade barriers that could spark an international "trade war", Michigan needs to send a signal that it is open for business to global trading partners. Clearly, we can benefit greatly from Chinese investment in our state.

Buy Michigan Itinerary
President Hu and Premier Wen should come hungry to soak up the beauty of "Pure Michigan" and the hospitality of our people. Also, they should bring their running shoes, as we have much to show them and we know their time is limited and valuable.

A tour of a GM plant to see the beloved Buick which has been a hot seller in China, attributed to the car's quality and last Emperor in China driving one would be on the itinerary.

A stop in Battle Creek to see how Kellogg produces quality, safe food products and a photo op with Tony the Tiger would be great PR, all the way around.

A stop in Benton Harbor would be in order, to visit the Whirlpool Corporation, the largest home appliance maker in the world.

Continue on to Grand Rapids to visit Amway Corporation, a household name in China that continues to make record profits in this and other developing nations. Stops at Steelcase and Herman Miller, quality furniture makers to take home samples of the latest in ergonomic office furniture would be a must.

Swing by our outstanding Research Universities, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Oakland University and others, that have academic connections to China dating back decades.

Agreements could be signed to strengthen our commitment to produce innovative products that can help feed the most populated nation on planet, help China clean up their polluted air, lakes and streams and continue to educate the Chinese leaders of tomorrow.

As the tour meanders across the "Mitten of Plenty" we can discuss how we can sell the Chinese people apples, blueberries, cherries, sugar beets, corn, hay, grain, beans, pork, poultry and eggs, and forestry products and the other commodities that make agriculture the 2nd largest industry in the state.

Lunch in Frankenmuth, to enjoy a mouth watering chicken meal.

We can boast that Michigan is home to the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, has more public golf courses than any other state, clean air, affordable manufacturing plants and urban corridors seeking investors.

We know our " Go anywhere, do anything" Governor has not visited China yet. However, if Hu and Wen, go on a big enough "buy Michigan spree'" I am certain we can coax the Governor to lead a delegation back to China-- as long as they understand her spending allowance is not as large as theirs.

The Closing night banquet would be surely be hosted by top government, political, business, labor and academic leaders and held at The Henry Ford where the spirit of America's innovation of Edison, Ford and Firestone would mix with the Motown sounds of Aretha Franklin and other Detroit greats. We have so much to sell, I mean show, and so little time.

There is great economic anxiety pouring across our state, nation and the world. While some see this as a time to turn inward, the best defense against out continued economic misery is a good global trade offense.

While some will shout "Buy American," I think Michigan should be shouting louder: "Michigan is open and wants to do business on the world stage."

President Hu and Premier Wen, you are welcome to come to Michigan, develop new friends and spend and invest a few billion yuan here.

Tom Watkins is a business and education consultant in the US and China. He served the citizens of Michigan as:state superintendent of schools, 2001-2005 and mental health director, 1986-1990. He can be reached at: tdwatkins@aol.com

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