Opportunity Alaska: China Trade Mission will help businesses in the Last Frontier build new relationships in China and foster existing ones. Governor Walker, Director of International Trade Shelley James, and Commerce Commissioner Mike Navarre will travel with the businesses selected to participate in the mission. The competitive application process will prioritize existing or developed relationships.
Since 2011, China has been the number one consumer of Alaska goods. Last year, Alaska exported $1.32 billion worth of goods, including $796.2 million in seafood and $64.6 million in fishmeal, employing thousands of fishermen here. Alaska also exported $355.8 in mineral ore, $49 million in energy, and $48 million and $5.9 million in forest products and machinery respectively.
Opportunity Alaska: China Trade Mission participants will travel to China May 19 through May 26 to participate in high-level meetings. Businesses will engage with key decision makers to expand Alaska markets, meet potential customers, industry and government officials. The trade mission will also include networking events with industry and government representatives.

Before being appointed Commissioner of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,
Mike Navarre concluded his second consecutive term as mayor of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and 3rd term overall; he has also twice been president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. Previously, he served in the Alaska House of Representatives for six terms (1985-1996) where he held multiple leadership positions, including Majority Leader, and chair of the Finance and Rules Committees. Mayor Navarre has over 30 years of business experience in restaurant and retail operations throughout Alaska. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government with a minor in Economics from Eastern Washington University.