China's next President to visit Iowa

DES MOINES -- The next president of China will visit Iowa next month as part of a state visit to the U.S. that also includes stops in California and Washington, D.C.

The full schedule of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's trip have not been finalized yet.  The Branstad Administration is looking to the trip as a chance to improve Iowa's already strong trade relationship with China.

“We are working with state officials and business leaders to ensure economic development is the top priority during Vice President Xi's visit,” said Lt. Gov. Reynolds.

Xi first visited Iowa in 1985 as a Hebei Province official.  Now, Xi is Vice President and will become President of China later this year.

During a trade trip to China last September, Governor Terry Branstad met with Xi and the two talked about the 1985 visit.  Xi commented on the hospitality of Iowans and Branstad invited him to visit Iowa again.

“The strong relationship Iowa has with the incoming leader of China has economic benefits that are beyond measure," said Branstad.  "This is a tremendous opportunity for Iowa, and we will make the most of our time with Vice President Xi.”