Earlier today, Rick Snyder landed in China for his third trade trip since becoming Michigan's governor.
He has scheduled stops in China and Japan during the week-and-a-half-long mission that starts today, and he's accompanied by at least 15 representatives from Michigan companies.
It's all part of the on-going effort to attract Asian investment in Michigan and strengthen trade relationships.
Snyder isn't guaranteeing that jobs will be created from this trip, but says he feels good that new business will occur as a result of the face-to-face meetings.
The Governor is also turning to tourism, putting an emphasis on selling "Pure Michigan" as a destination to Chinese tourists.
The trip is being paid for by donations to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, not by taxpayers.
Tom Watkins has been instrumental in strengthening ties between Michigan and China, and has traveled to China dozens of times since his first trip in 1989. He joined us today to talk about this trade mission.
Listen to the full interview above.