To the editor:
Paul Pirrotta (Oct. 1 edition, State’s focus on China misguided) got it right when he stated that “China represents a great opportunity for [CT] companies and [our] governor is making a valid effort to raise our visibility in that part of the world.”
But Pirrotta’s concern that we are overemphasizing China is misplaced.
To begin with, no one is suggesting we ignore Europe. Governor Malloy’s economic development team includes a strong European focus.
But it is important to bear in mind that, at a time when European economies are stagnating, China is emerging as a powerhouse with growing GDP and a growing interest in doing deals with the West. For example, in 1987, the last time a Connecticut governor visited our ‘sister’ province of Shandong, its GDP barely registered. Now, after 22 consecutive years of 10 percent-plus growth, it boasts a GDP of $720 billion. It imported $110 billion worth of goods in 2011.
Why should China’s growing foreign investments and purchases go to Germany rather than the U.S.? To California rather than Connecticut?
Of course there are security and intellectual property issues that arise in dealing with China, as with any foreign power. But those are reasons for proceeding prudently once opportunities have been identified, not excuses for failing to uncover opportunities in the first place.
While in China, Governor Malloy met with the largest real estate investor in China. As a result, they are already in discussions with a Connecticut real estate company. He met with the national Forestry Ministry, which is in negotiations to make a large purchase from a Connecticut manufacturer. (In China especially, the intercession of a governor can make a difference.)
As head of the organization that represents the major life science interests in Connecticut, I can tell you that our members are keenly interested in China — in selling products there, in doing research there, and in seeing Chinese invest in our state.
So of course I’m delighted that on his visit Governor Malloy also met with Xinhua Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded $500 million company, FDA approved, that supplies product to such firms as Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, to name three pharmaceutical companies that have operations in Connecticut. As Xinhua is in the process of deciding where to build a manufacturing facility in the U.S., the more they hear about Connecticut and its interest in biotech, the better.
Paul Pescatello President and CEO CURE (Connecticut United for Research Excellence)
It is so refreshing to find out that NU is a utility and not a social service network (Oct. 8, Change of direction).
Removing three Community Relations employees is a first step to having the ratepayers stop funding social action slush funds that further political ends instead of servicing electric infrastructure.
Richard Levy Manchester
