China exports on the rise: second only Japan, this trading partner is important to Alaska's economy.

• Author: Wolf, Greg
• Position: EXPORTS

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In the world of real estate, the popular adage is "location, location, location." For Alaska exporting companies, the mantra for the past seven years has been "China, China, China." The value of exports from Alaska to the Middle Kingdom has climbed dramatically during this period, from $100 million in 2001 to a record $716 million in 2007. China has become Alaska's fastest-growing major market and now ranks as the state's second-largest overseas trading partner overall, trailing only Japan, the state's long-standing No. 1 customer.

SEAFOOD AND MINERALS

Seafood has been and remains the primary export from Alaska to China. In 2007, at $411 million, seafood accounted for 57 percent of the state's total exports to the country. Some of the seafood sent to China is processed and then re-exported, while another portion remains in the country to be sold in stores and restaurants for local consumption.

At 24 percent, minerals are the second-largest export category, amounting to $172 million, and consist mainly of zinc and lead. Energy is the third sizable category with shipments of refined fuel products totaling $90 million. Other important export commodities are fishmeal, used as a fertilizer and for aquaculture operations, and forest products. Whole logs are sent to the country from Alaska for processing into a variety of wood products.

World Trade Center Alaska has made China a major focus of its efforts. In 2005, the Center launched the "China Calling" trade development program that to date has included a trade mission to Shanghai and Beijing, four annual Alaska-China business conferences, and a number of other activities designed to assist Alaskans to identify and pursue business opportunities with China.

In addition to World Trade Center Alaska, there are a number of other Alaska organizations and agencies working to build bridges between Alaska and China.

The State of Alaska secured trade representation in Beijing in 2002, making it one of the first American states to establish a presence in China. Yingdi Wang, the State's trade representative, is based in Beijing and provides valuable on-the-ground information and assistance to Alaskans. The State's Office of International Trade in Anchorage coordinates the visits of high-level delegations from China and fosters important government-to-government relations with Chinese agencies. The state office also provides support to Alaska organizations and businesses conducting...