Council President Pro Tem Tom Rasmussen
Seattle City Council applauds appointment of Gary Locke as U.S. Ambassador to China
Seattle – Today on behalf of Seattle City Council, President Pro Tem Rasmussen released the following statement congratulating our next U.S. Ambassador to China, former Governor Gary Locke:
"We applaud Senate confirmation and appointment of former Governor Gary Locke to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China. Seattle has long enjoyed productive economic and diplomatic relations with China, including the Chongqing sister city relationship established in 1983. This position is inherently critical to the Northwest Region.
"The region enjoys not only strong economic ties through commerce and trade with China, but increased local jobs relating to international trade, tourism and education partners. Seattle serves as an important center of export to China with 2010 exports of goods produced in Seattle and Washington state accounting for more than $10.3 billion. transportation products accounted for almost $4 billion of total exports.
"We embrace this selection and expect to see even stronger city and state relations with China and look forward to working with and supporting Ambassador Locke in his new role."
