Gov. Snyder visits Shanghai Auto City on first full day of China mission

– Photo courtesy of Mich. Governor’s Office

Shanghai Jiaotong University Party Secretary Jiang Sixian and his team from the university hosted Gov. Rick Snyder (second from left) and the Michigan delegation to discuss the ongoing relationship with Shanghai Jiaotong University, the oldest continuously running university in Shanghai, and a joint institute with the Ross Executive Development Program from the University of Michigan.


Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder kicked off the first full day of his sixth investment mission to China by visiting Shanghai International Automobile City, a comprehensive auto production base outside of Shanghai that focuses on autonomous vehicle research and testing.

As part of the visit, Snyder and Jiading District Party Secretary Ma Chunlei presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Automotive Office and The Shanghai International Automobile City. The MOU aims to further the communication and cooperation within the auto industry and encourage cooperation between the universities, research institutions, and companies in Michigan and Shanghai.

“Michigan and China are in unique positions as we each pursue business and opportunities in the interconnected autonomous vehicle space,” Snyder said. “This memorandum of understanding is an important accomplishment that builds on our mutual commitment to strengthen our friendship and further promote the automotive industry in Michigan and China.”

Snyder outlined Michigan’s extensive efforts in positioning itself as the global leader in autonomous vehicle technology through Planet M, a new campaign that promotes the state’s leading role in the automotive industry.

“Michigan has always been the automotive industry leader, and as the transportation industry evolves, our state’s influence will continue to shape the way the world moves,” Snyder said. “With Planet M, we’re putting our strengths on display for a global audience to see and learn about.”

Snyder also visited Shanghai Jiaotong University, where he participated in the announcement of the Joint Institute-Ross Executive Development Program between Jiaotong University and the University of Michigan. The partnership will benefit both universities by broadening international engagement for students and faculty and providing a unique cross-disciplinary educational experience.

This program is just the latest example of a strong history between the University of Michigan and China – an international relationship that began nearly 170 years ago.

Earlier on Saturday, Snyder attended a breakfast hosted by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover-Adams, who is leading a delegation of Michigan companies on a trade mission to China. The mission, the first ever led by Clover-Adams, is intended to introduce a diverse group of Michigan growers and food processors to the expanding Chinese market.

On Sunday, Snyder and his delegation met with representatives from Chinese travel media outlets to discuss tourism and leisure travel opportunities in Michigan, highlighting the state’s vast natural resources and Detroit’s continued comeback, including visitor attraction projects currently underway. He also met with several executives from Chinese companies and attended a reception hosted by the North American Automotive Professionals Association.

During his mission, Snyder will make numerous company visits and meet with business leaders and senior government officials in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Nanchang in addition to Hangzhou.

The trip marks the Snyder administration’s sixth mission to China. Other missions led by Snyder or Lt. Gov. Brian Calley have included Japan, South Korea, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Chile, Columbia, Switzerland, Ireland and Great Britain.