December 18, 2017
A delegation from the Embassy of China toured Marshall University’s South Charleston Campus and the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) Thursday as part of a four day relationship-building mission to West Virginia.
Embassy officials, led by Economic & Commerce Minister Counselor Deyou Tian, learned how RCBI assists manufacturers and saw demonstrations of computer-controlled machining equipment as well as large-scale and metal 3D printing.
“This visit is another important step in demonstrating the high-tech resources that RCBI and Marshall University provide industry,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI Director & CEO. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to showcase our services and demonstrate how we can help provide a trained, productive workforce to Chinese leaders in preparation of China’s recently announced multi-billion dollar investment in our state.”
Marshall University President Jerome A. Gilbert and John Maher, vice president for research, joined the delegation’s visit and explained how Marshall University promotes statewide economic development.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced last month that the Chinese have signed a memorandum of understanding to invest up to $83.7 billion in West Virginia. China Energy Investment Corp. plans to develop shale gas and chemical manufacturing infrastructure in West Virginia during the next two decades.
Since the governor’s announcement, representatives of China Energy Investment Corp. and individuals from various Chinese industrial sectors have been traveling West Virginia, meeting with state officials and economic development groups.
None of the Chinese delegation from Thursday’s visit had been to West Virginia until this week but expressed high praise for the Mountain State and its people.
“I am very impressed with this state,” said Qing Li, second secretary of the Embassy of China. “The people are so hospitable!”
By Becky Calwell, EdD
RCBI · West Virginia’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center
1050 Fourth Avenue · Huntington, WV 25701
Office: 304.781.1690
# # #
The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) delivers expertise and innovative solutions with leading-edge technology to advance manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
