Deputy Director of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Urban Building Division Visits Arlington

The City of Arlington and its office of International Protocol welcomed Mr. Tadashi Matsumoto, Deputy Director of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Urban Building Division on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Mayor Robert Cluck, Mayor Pro-Tem Ron Wright, Councilmember Lana Wolfe and Councilmember Sherry Capehart participated in an official luncheon where local development and land use topics were discussed. Additional attendees included representatives of the Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Tarrant County Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

Delegation of officials from the Ukraine Visit Arlington

The City of Arlington hosted a delegation of officials from the Ukraine on Friday, February 8, 2008 as part of the City’s International Protocol Center initiative. The Ukrainian delegation traveled to the United States and the City of Arlington as part of the U. S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. The purpose of the trip was to examine domestic debt management and specifically, municipal debt management.

Mayor Robert Cluck, MD, City Manager Jim Holgersson, Deputy City Manager Trey Yelverton, City Attorney Jay Doegey, Financial Services Director Anna Mosqueda, Economic Development Manager Robert Sturns and Treasury Manager Corrine Steeger met with representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance, State Treasury of Ukraine and the National Bank of Ukraine to discuss Arlington’s funding of the Dallas Cowboys’ Stadium, Glorypark, Ranger Ballpark, etc.

Chinese Delegation from Heilongjiang Province of China visit Arlington

On August 24, 2007, Arlington Mayor Pro Tempore Ron Wright this week welcomed 13 delegates and business representatives from the Heilongjiang Province of China.

The Heilongjiang Province is located in extreme northeast China and borders Russia. It has established economic and trade relations with more than 150 countries and regions with a total import and export volume exceeding $2.99 billion.
The visiting delegation was hosted by the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the sixth annual U.S. Pan Asian American EXPO held at the Arlington Convention Center on Thursday.
The Expo introduced The US-China Business Connection, a new program aimed at connecting Corporate and Asian suppliers to Chinese companies. These efforts blend with the Arlington Economic Development Strategy that focuses on partnership-based participation in the global arena.

Mayor Pro Tempore Ron Wright officially welcomed the international guests and, on behalf of Mayor Robert Cluck, proclaimed August 24, 2007 as Heilongjiang Province Day.
“In collaboration with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, we are committed to developing international opportunities to enhance economic growth through trade relations,” he said.

Following a presentation by Arlington Economic Development Manager Robert Sturns and an official gift exchange, delegates shared conversation and refreshments with Arlington elected officials and executive staff.

International Delegation from TEDA Visit Arlington

On March 18, 2007, the City of Arlington in partnership with the US Pan American Asian and the Arlington Chambers of Commerce, held an Economic Development Summit with an international delegation from the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA). TEDA is the main free market zone in Tianjin, China. It was formed in late 1984 and currently has more foreign businesses in it than all of Shanghai. It is one of the first state-class economic-technological development areas in the country.

Members of Parliament from the Republic of Kenya Visit Arlington

On February 27, 2007 Arlington, had the opportunity to showcase our city to three distinguished Members of Parliament from the Republic of Kenya. Hon. Raila Odinga, MP., also a 2007 presidential candidate for Kenya, Hon. James Omingo Magara, MP. and, Hon. Paddy Ahenda, MP. visited Arlington to seek ideas about economic development opportunities, education and government best practices.

The City of Arlington and Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast exchange to discuss international trade opportunities and the delegation was given an official city welcome at City Hall by Mayor Robert Cluck, Council and city staff. Afterwards, the delegation was provided a tour of key Arlington business sites.