Iowa's Chinese sister state visiting next week to celebrate 30th anniversary of friendship

Over 150 members of the Hebei, China delegation are visiting Des Moines next week to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their Sister State Relationship with Iowa.

During their visit Oct. 21 and 22, the government and company executives will also discuss areas of mutual cooperation and sign letters of intent to purchase Iowa products.

The relationship between Iowa and the Heibei Province has led to many exchanges in education, business and culture, a release from the Iowa Economic Development Authority said. Next week, the group will sign agreements in trade, agriculture, education and tourism expected to value over $1 billion. Machinery, processed meat, cereal, cars and animal feed are Iowa's top exports to the country.

The release said China is Iowa's 4th largest trading partner.

The celebration ceremony, hosted by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Sister States, will be held in the Principle Financial Group Auditorium.