Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford Making Economic Development Trip to China
Office of Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford|Friday, August 19, 2011
Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is leaving today for China on a non-taxpayer funded trip to expand economic development opportunities and encourage Chinese business leaders to invest in Illinois. Rutherford previously worked as international vice president for the Fortune 100 service company ServiceMaster. He was responsible for the company’s global expansion in Latin America, Europe and Asia and has visited China multiple times.
Rutherford is paying for his own flight to China. While there, the arrangements will be organized by the Chinese People's Institute for Foreign Affairs which has the special function of hosting congressional delegations.
“My 25 years of experience in the private sector working on international business makes me especially optimistic about the benefits of this trip. I will be given several opportunities to represent Illinois to Chinese businesses with the hope of our state’s economy becoming the beneficiary,” Rutherford said.
In addition, Rutherford will meet with several Illinois-based companies with operations in China including Peoria-based Caterpillar. Rutherford noted, “It will be good to once again see first-hand how these Illinois companies are able to improve their bottom lines by expanding their businesses into China. The world is truly a global economy and it is important that Illinois companies maintain their standing in international trade with eyes toward expansion.”
Highlighting the treasurer’s visit will be an important session with Chinese finance officials. China is the largest holder of U.S. debt and Rutherford intends to take the opportunity to further learn and share information on global financing and debt.
Rutherford will maintain regular contact with his office’s investment professionals while out of the office.
“While paying my own travel to China, I wanted to use the opportunity to further absorb the magnitude of China’s role as an American creditor while promoting ways to help Illinois companies benefit in the global economy.”
