We live in a global economy and a globe that continues to shrink. China is one of the fastest growing economies. The Coeur d’Alene Area and Post Falls chambers of commerce are working together to assist individuals and companies interested in exploring opportunities in China. The chambers of commerce are working with Citslinc International Inc. for a business exploration and familiarization tour. The trip is available to area businesses and individuals interested in learning more of the places, people and Chinese culture.

The nine-day trip includes visits to four Chinese cities -- Beijing, Shanghai, Hanghou and Suzhou. During the trip individuals will participate in a variety of tours and business visits. The tours include the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Emperor Tombs and Summer Place in Beijing. Business visits in Beijing include a pearl farm, jade factory and a Chinese pharmacy (among others). Both the tours and business visits will be of great interest to leisure and business travelers.  In Hanghou and Suzhou travelers will visit a green tea plantation, silk factory, and the National Embroidery Institute. The trip concludes in Shanghai with visits to Buddhist temples dating back to the several centuries and Old Town Shanghai. Another highlight of the time in Shanghai will be the 2010 World Expo. The trip is available to chamber members and friends who want to explore China for business and cultural experiences.

The trip is provided by Citslinc International, Inc. located in Monterey California. Citslinc has been working with chambers of commerce for over 25 years providing trade mission and familiarization tours to China. Area travelers will benefit from the well-planned trip for an experience of a lifetime.

The trip will is scheduled for this coming October with four available departure dates. Groups will depart on October 4th, 9th, 11th or 18th, 2010. The nine-day experience comes at a very reasonable cost of $1,899 per person (based on double occupancy). The trip includes international (departing from Seattle) and Chinese domestic airfare, 5 and 4 star hotel accommodations, three daily meals, luxury buses, English tour guides and entrance to attractions including the 2010 World Expo.

The trip is being coordinated by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce. President and CEO Todd Christensen previously led groups during his tenure with a chamber in Washington State. He comments, “This is a great opportunity for North Idaho and Inland Northwest individuals and businesses to experience firsthand Chinese culture and explore business opportunities.” Coeur d’Alene Chamber Board Chair Steve Wilson explains, “The very affordable trip is a way for us to help our members become more familiar with international trade and take advantage of business opportunities. It is also a great trip for those who want to see and experience China.”

For additional information about the trip and to answer questions, the chamber will host informational meetings.

Date: May 19 & June 9
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Where: Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 N. First Street.