In September, a delegation of Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) members and staff traveled to China for a fact-finding mission organized by the Oregon China Council. Led by Senator Dembrow, the trip focused on fostering economic connectivity and building subnational partnerships.
“This mission has been a success in strengthening our Oregon-China ties and fostering meaningful economic connectivity,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “It also marked a significant milestone for the Association of Oregon Counties, as this was the first time counties were invited to participate in such a vital fact-finding mission.”
Joining Nikkel and Administrative Services Director Sara Gamaney on the trip were AOC members representing counties with diverse economic drivers and industries:
- AOC President Erin Skaar (Tillamook)
- AOC First Vice President Joe Dabulskis (Sherman)
- AOC Second Vice President Jeremy Gordon (Polk)
- Commissioner Walter Chuck (Lincoln)
- Commissioner Seth Crawford (Crook)
- Commissioner Casey Garrett (Columbia)
- Commissioner Patrick Hollinger (Curry)
- Commissioner Kit Johnston (Yamhill)
- Commissioner Meghan Moyer (Multnomah)
- Commissioner Will Tucker (Linn)
Over the course of a two-week itinerary, the delegation visited Xiamen, Zhangzhou, Fuzhou, Qufu, Tianjin, and Beijing. Throughout the mission, members met with provincial representatives to identify trade opportunities and cultivate lasting regional partnerships.
A key highlight in Beijing was an official meeting at the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Delegation members discussed the economic bridges connecting Oregon counties to international markets, emphasizing that subnational dialogue directly benefits our local economies.
A deeply memorable moment of the trip occurred in Tianjin, where the delegation participated in a friendship tree watering ceremony. Gov. Tina Kotek originally planted the tree during her tenure as the Speaker of the House to honor the official Oregon-Tianjin sister relationship. Tending to this living landmark served as a meaningful tribute to years of shared economic, cultural, and subnational ties, highlighting the enduring bridge between Oregon’s local communities and our international partners.
While the itinerary was packed with high-level economic dialogues and cultural exchanges, the true strength of the mission lay in the delegation itself. Representing a wide spectrum of geographic regions, background experiences, and county sizes across Oregon, county leaders developed a sense of camaraderie throughout the journey. Travelling together across the distinct regions fostered strong peer-to-peer relationships and collaborative insights that delegates will bring back to their local boards and communities.
The insights and relationships gained from this mission will support Oregon suppliers and growers in future trade relations with China. AOC extends its sincere gratitude to the Oregon China Council and our hosts for coordinating this impactful trip.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator