Sparks delegation looking to build China connections

Sparks' exchange of calling cards with Tianjin, China, has one goal: to fan the flames of investment interest exhibited by a 2004 delegation of Tianjin bureaucrats.

And it's got a railroad to add fuel to its fire.

Tianjin, designated a special economic zone, is a manufacturing center, as well as China's largest port.

Its population of 9.5 million (out of China's 1.25 billion) is steadily increasing.

And its interest in attracting foreign trade and investment at least equals even exceeds Sparks' interests.

A Tianjin delegation of bureaucrats toured Sparks last year, says Randy Mellenger, Sparks assistant city manager.And now the delegates have invited a reciprocal visit from Sparks city officials next month.

Also, a second Tianjin delegation is expected to drop in on Sparks sometime later this year.

Bureaucrats are the target of investment efforts, says Mellenger, because, although China is seeing greater wealth in private hands, bureaucrats are the decision-makers in a country where the government still owns almost all industry and businesses.

And why would they be interested in Sparks? Mellenger thinks Sparks has something to offer.

Last year's delegation seemed interested in Copper Canyon, he says.

That area includes a future residential community plus a business park of 140 to150 possible parcels.

Other areas under development also cited by Mellenger as emerging employment centers and included on the tour given Tianjin officials are Kiley Ranch North with about 140 to 150 businesses projected and Pioneer Meadows with about 100 projected businesses.

But key is the railroad.An artery connecting Sparks to the sea, the railroad is a resource just waiting to be fully exploited.

The railroad and its possible connection to imports from across the ocean also plays into plans for the East Truckee River canyon.

The region falls within the Sparks sphere of influence and is on the city's radar for creation of development standards, in cooperation with the county.

The Sparks efforts are just a part of the larger picture of Nevada delegations going back and forth across the Pacific, says Alan DiStefano, director of global trade and investment for the Nevada Commission on Economic Development.

Some of the trade missions are industryspecific, some general trade shows, he says.

For instance, in May, the state will have booths at a Hong Kong food trade show.

Meanwhile, the May Sparks delegation is slated to include council members and staff, along with the mayor, city manager, and redevelopment chair.