Illinois governor makes his first visit to China

The governor of Illinois recently visited China as part of efforts to attract more Chinese investors, students and tourists to the US state.

"We are here to celebrate the friendship between the people of Illinois and the people of China, and to explore ways of enhancing the friendship and partnerships by growing business, creating more opportunities and expanding education," said Bruce Rauner during an interview with China Daily USA in Shanghai on Sept 14.

The relationship between Illinois and China dates back to 1982 when the state set up a sister-state relationship with Liaoning province. Three years later, Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, established a similar relationship with Shanghai.

According to Rauner, there are over 400 companies in Illinois that have invested and have businesses in China.

Meanwhile, about 60 companies based in China have invested and employed thousands of people in Illinois. Illinois is home to a variety of industries including manufacturing, agriculture, food, financial services and education.

Rauner pointed out that the state is now aiming to boost the development of its tourism industry by introducing its top travel destinations to Chinese visitors.

With regard to the case of missing Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying who was at the University of Illinois, Rauner expressed his sympathy for the family and referred to the incident as a very unusual and isolated case.

He added that the university grounds are very safe, as are most of the areas in Illinois and Chicago.

Zhang went missing on June 9 and was last seen entering a car owned by a man named Brendt A. Christensen. She is believed dead though her body has not been found. Investigations are still ongoing.

According to Edward Seidel, vice-president for Economic Development and Innovation of UIUC, the university has been supporting the victim's family in many ways over the past months.

The university has also set up a foundation to provide assistance for those who are considering studying at the university and is cooperating with professionals to improve orientation for international students so as to ensure their safety in a foreign country.

UIUC is home to the largest number of Chinese students among the top 50 US universities, according to the US News ranking. In 2015, the number stood at around 5,000.

Rauner said the government is working on the budget to expand and improve the educational system in the state and hopes to attract more outstanding Chinese students.

He Qi in Shanghai contributed to this story.

heqi@chinadaily.com.cn