Torrance, CA -
To further strengthen relations between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China and to promote increased foreign trade between these two countries, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored its first international trade mission with a delegation of sixteen local business and government leaders to China during May 2002. The delegation included elected city council members from the California cities of Torrance , El Segundo and Gardena , a Torrance police officer and business representatives from the Torrance area. As a leading company in China since 1995 and major employer in Torrance since 1987, Sunrider International supported and assisted this delegation with its visit to the cities of Beijing , Tianjin , Xian and Shanghai .

The trip commenced in Beijing and business meetings were held with the Xuan Wu district government, which officially sponsored the Beijing portion of the tour. Subsequent meetings were held with the Xuan Wu District Foreign Investment Commission, Xuan Wu district hospital, and the Tsai-Xi-Ko and Sogo department store managements. The delegation also traveled to Tianjin and toured the Sunrider Tianjin facility, which is one of Sunrider's three offices in China . Meetings were then held with the Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA). Following a weekend of cultural exploration in Xian, the delegates next traveled to Shanghai to meet with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai Sub-Council and China Chamber of International Commerce, Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, the largest foreign economic and trade organization in Shanghai. Prior to returning to California , the group met with representatives from the Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. Between meetings, the delegation participated in cultural tours of many of China's most well know sites, including the Great Wall, the Palace Museum, the Imperial Palace, the Lui-Li-Chang cultural district, the Terra Cotta warriors, the Ming Tombs and the Shanghai Museum. This provided the delegation with further insight and a balanced appreciation of China 's rich and long history.

This trip enhanced communication and understanding between our two countries and created friendships which promise to strengthen both the United States and China . Delegates were thankful for this unique opportunity to participate in this first-ever Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce cultural and business exchange.