Trade MOU with Shenzhen Municipality

Today, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Economic, Trade and Information Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, China. The MOU targets agricultural development and includes long-term promotion of bilateral trade and investment and the exchange of information between the two regions.

“This is a great agreement for Snohomish County. By facilitating a partnership between the Snohomish County Trade and Economic Development Department, the Trade Development Alliance (TDA), and the Shenzhen municipality, we provide an opportunity for increased agricultural production, trade, and marketing between the two regions,” said Executive Somers. “With Shenzhen’s strategic location and access to huge markets, we hope to increase the visibility of Snohomish County’s agricultural products.”

The agreement provides support for Snohomish County area companies and institutions interested in establishing a presence in China, as well as supporting Shenzhen based companies interested in the U.S. market. The MOU co-signers will facilitate those relationships. Both parties agree to identify liaisons in Snohomish County and Shenzhen to help accelerate partnerships and investment in agriculture.

"Our farmers and other members of the agriculture community are a very important part of Snohomish County. I'm excited that they will have the opportunity to tap into the massive Chinese market and in the process create jobs and opportunity back home," said Snohomish County Councilmember Brian Sullivan.

"The Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle is excited to be a part of this MOU and look forward to continuing to support Snohomish County's global trade and development initiatives," said "A" Boungjakhta, Interim President of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle.

"I am thrilled to support the new partnership between Snohomish County and Shenzhen," said Kristi Heim, President of the Washington State China Relations Council. "The agreement will help our region's agricultural producers develop closer trade with one of the most robust areas in the world."

Agriculture is the second largest industry in Snohomish County, after aerospace. Agriculture in Snohomish County has a farm gate value of $139,486,000 with over 70,000 acres in production. The county is home to 1,438 farms and the average farm size is 49 acres. Agriculture includes a diverse range of local products such as dairy, nurseries, produce for local restaurants, grocery stores and farmers markets, sheep, timber, grass-fed beef, hay production, wheat, crops for seed production, and value-added products.