Jacksonville Chamber pushes China trip

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is planning a September trade trip to China.

The 10-day trip will include six days for business meetings. The chamber will arrange 10 to 12 appointments in Beijing and Shanghai.

"These are pre-screened appointments for our business people who we think have a product people in China are interested in," said Joanne Emslie Korn, executive director of the chamber's Cornerstone International Division.

Korn is interviewing applicants for the 12 spots available. There are still some open but they may not last long.

"There are a lot of people, and a lot of interest," Korn said. "We are checking to see if their products are suitable for China. We don't want this trip to be a disappointment for anyone."

It takes 22 hours to get to China, so two days are set aside for traveling. There is also one sightseeing weekend, including visits to the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. The entire trip costs $4,295.

Interested parties have to make a deposit of $1,500 by July 10.

Jacksonville participants provide copies of their brochures and company files so they can be appropriately paired with potential customers abroad.

One week before the trip leaves, business people will be briefed on the agenda and cultural tips.

In past years, business people have ventured to such places as Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Mexico.