LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe talked at length with the media on Wednesday morning about his trip to China, explaining a lot of the differences, similarities, projects and challenges that accompanied the visit.
The 12-day trip included visits to various provinces with dignitaries from across the country. Beebe visited several Wal Mart franchises and got to know exactly what it would take to bring China and Arkansas closer together in terms of economic relations.
"In some (places) we're in medium stages, along the way," Beebe said. "They have an interest in coming to the United States. They didn't know much about Arkansas, and we're trying to get our foot in there."
During the 20-minute press conference, Beebe said there is one China-based company that is on the cusp of getting into serious economic talks with the state, with a second on the way.
This also may not be the last overseas trip for Beebe this year. The governor said there is a possibility of trip to France during the summer, this one based around agriculture. Nothing has been finalized, but Beebe said the French government would be the ones footing the bill for the trip.
Read more about this story in tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.