Why Xi's Visit to Iowa Matters: Zaun Report 2/17

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds welcomed Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping to Iowa as part of his visit to the United States.

The vice president also visited California and Washington, D.C. This is a huge honor for the State of Iowa.

Vice President Xi first visited Iowa in 1985 as a Hebei Province party official, and was the director of the Feed Association of Shi jiazhuang Prefecture. Now, he is the Vice President and this year he will become the president of China.

During a trade mission to China last September, Branstad met with Vice President Xi, and discussed at length the vice president’s 1985 Iowa visit.

The vice president informed the governor that he was impressed with the hospitality and friendliness of Iowans, and named a number of the Iowans he met with.

During their conversation, the governor invited him to visit Iowa again.The strong relationship Iowa has with the incoming leader of China has economic benefits that are beyond measure.

This was tremendous opportunity for Iowa and Iowa was able to highlight the best of what we have to offer.

During his visit to Iowa, the vice president participated in the following events:

Wednesday, Feb. 15:  A reunion with individuals that Vice President Xi met when he visited Iowa in 1985 as a Hebei Province party official and director of the Feed Association of Shijiazhuang Prefecture. This reunion took place in Muscatine, IA.

 Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds hosted Vice President Xi and the entire Chinese delegation for a formal welcome State Dinner in the Iowa Capitol. I was honored to attend this official state dinner and met so many business people from China.

Thursday, Feb. 16: U.S.-China Agricultural Symposium at the World Food Prize Building, Des Moines, Iowa.

A visit to the Kimberly Farm, a family farming operation near Maxwell, Iowa.

Meet With Elected Officials

There are three public forums set in Urbandale with my friend, Rep. Scott Raecker. The forums are sponsored by the great Urbandale Chamber and will take place at 2900 Justin Drive, Suite L. on thefollowing dates:

Saturday, Feb. 2 - 10:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday, March 31 - 10:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday, April 28 - 10:30 a.m. to noon

I will be attending a forum with my friend, Rep. Janet Petersen, at Christopher’s restaurant, located at 2816 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines, Saturday, Feb. 25 at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Please join me when you can. If you cannot attend please email me at brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov or call 515-281-3371. I am always interested in your opinion and it is truly an honor to serve you!