Tove Tupper & Associated Press
 
November 17, 2008
 
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. -- Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski is on a trade mission to Japan and China this week.
 
China recently passed Canada as the top customer for Oregon exports. China more than doubled purchases of Oregon goods to $893 million for the quarter that ended September 30. Meanwhile Japan boosted imports from Oregon by 27 percent, to $478 million for the quarter.
 
The governor plans to use his sixth trade mission to renew contacts with Asian companies already doing business in Oregon as the state's economy struggles. But he's also interested in pushing development of electric cars, one of his priorities for reducing pollution and expanding sustainable energy use in Oregon.
 
Kulongoski can pitch Oregon as the No. 1 hybrid-car state per capita and Portland as the U.S. sales capital for the Toyota Prius. He is hoping for some Toyota investment in Oregon. The Japanese automaker says testing for electric cars could be possible in Oregon, but a manufacturing plant is unlikely, at least for now.
 
Meanwhile, Oregon State Representative Dennis Richardson, (R) District 4, who has traveled to China five times to promote Oregon exports, says the demand is definitely there.
 
"What I found is they have great respect for America, and they would rather spend a little bit more and have things that are made in America than things that are made in Europe and elsewhere," says Richardson.
 
Consultant David Wick with Ashland-based Silver Light International spent the month of September in China looking at economic development opportunities for Southern Oregon.
 
"We're looking at what are the businesses within Southern Oregon that have an opportunity and interest to explore the market in China, which is vast," says Richardson.
 
China has shown interest in high tech products used for wireless communication manufactured in Oregon. As well as Southern Oregon wines.
 
Richardson says Asia isn't just interested in the U.S. for it's products, but also as a tourist destination.
 
"My message has been, 'come to San Francisco, see Las Vegas, and then come to Oregon and see the real America, have real American adventures, meet real American people and buy your souvenirs tax free'," says Richardson.
 
Governor Kulongoski left Oregon on Saturday.