Governor Luo’s Successful Utah Visit Strengthens and Showcases the Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership

Governor Luo’s itinerary in Utah was filled with several events and meetings, all of which served to showcase and strengthen the Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership. From signing an Ecopartnership MOU with Utah’s Governor Herbert, to highlighting his Ecopartnership achievements during the first ever NGA US China Governors forum, Governor Luo’s consistent message is that the Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership is the most successful model of subnational cooperation between the US and China to date. Below is a brief overview of the events and activities Governor Luo participated in during his visit to Utah from July 13th -16th, 2011.

July 13th Signing Ceremony with Utah’s Governor Herbert.

Governor Luo’s official visit began with a private meeting with Utah’s Governor Herbert in his office. Following the meeting, Governors Herbert and Luo entered the Gold Room at the Utah State Capitol and signed an official sister state agreement between Utah and Qinghai. As part of the same ceremony, Governor Herbert signed an official declaration declaring July 13th -16th as “Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership Days”. An official Ecopartnership MOU, was signed by Ecopartnership leaders from Universities to strengthen and define the Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership, laying the ground work for future Subnational cooperation to take place between Utah and Qinghai within the Ecopartnership.

Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership Reception

Immediately following the signing ceremony, Governor Luo and over 150 leaders from local and national Government, Academia and the Private Sector gathered for a reception recognizing the Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership and welcoming Governor Luo to Utah. Highlights from the evening’s program included, short videos on the Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership and Xining City, speeches from Special Representative Reta Jo Lewis, Governor Luo of Qinghai, Spencer Eccles from Utah’s GOED, and a short program highlighting Utah’s rich history with China and how the Power of Trust through History has laid the foundation for current and future success of the Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership.

NGA US-China Governor’s Forum

During the first ever NGA US-China Governor’s Forum, Governor Luo’s topic was Green Energy Development and the environment. After a short video introducing Qinghai Province’s unique importance to China’s environment, Governor Luo shared his insights on strategies for Green Energy Development at the subnational level. The Utah-Qinghai Ecopartnership was highlighted when Governor Luo outlined the environmental projects already working in Qinghai and explained that these projects were made possible by the Ecopartnership platform established with Utah.

University of Utah Technology Lunch and Ecopartnership Company Site Visit

In an effort to expand and strengthen individual Ecopartnership technology ties, members from the Ministry of Science and Technology delegation from Qinghai attended a technology working lunch presented by Scientists at the University of Utah. Governor Luo also received an extensive technology briefing and a Lab tour at Ecopartnership Company Site: Ceramatec.

Utah Home Visit

Excepting Governor Luo, the entire Qinghai Delegation (32 Members) attended an outdoor BBQ and Western themed Hoedown at Ecopartnership intern Robert
Bassett’s ranch house. The evening included Horseback riding, carriage rides, trout fishing, ATV rides, children/family performances and Texas style steaks. The activities resulted in extremely warm, personal interactions and friendly gift exchanges between Utah Ecopartnership families and the Qinghai Delegation.