Ravenstahl team meets with Chinese companies
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SHANGHAI, China -- Despite ending with a cruise on a river, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl spent the third day of his 10-day trip to Asia almost entirely indoors, reviewing agendas and shaking hands on behalf of Pittsburgh.
"He was invited by the conference to do this," said Ning Shao, who is serving as the delegation's liaison throughout their visit. He said the approximate $10,000 cost of the visit, including plane, hotel and meals, has been paid entirely by Shanghai.
"He piggy-backed on this to promote the city," Mr. Shao said.
Mr. Ravenstahl will present one of two keynote addresses today before the 22nd annual International Business Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai. But before then, it was Shanghai's turn to show off for the second day in a row. For four hours on Saturday, the Pittsburgh delegation toured the Shanghai Expo, paying visits to the United States, Canadian and French pavilions.
Mr. Ravenstahl was also introduced to his Shanghai counterpart and host, Hang Zheng, who met him at the China Pavilion.
Throughout much of the day he was in meetings with Shanghai city officials and the 40 chief executive officers who make up the advisory council to review the conference agenda for the next day.
Following the meetings the delegation attended a welcome dinner, hosted by Mr. Zheng and Yu Zhengsheng, secretary of Shanghai's committee of the Communist Party of China. China is a one-party state, and the Communist Party has primacy over the government and operates outside the scope of public scrutiny.
At Saturday evening's dinner, Mr. Ravenstahl's access to those who sit in the seats of power in this city was unlimited. To his left at the table, according to Mr. Shao, was the vice mayor in charge of the Expo. To his right sat the vice mayor in charge of industry.
"It was good networking and a good day," said Mr. Shao, who heads the China office for the state of Pennsylvania and, with his staff, was among the dinner's 200 guests.
First Published October 10, 2010 12:00 am
