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Gov. Bevin talks economic development with Chinese ambassador to US

Bevin said the two men did not discuss the tariffs both nations have imposed on the other. Instead, Bevin said they talked about how to get more Chinese companies to locate in Kentucky and hire local workers.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WHAS11) – An upbeat Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin talked economic development opportunities with China's ambassador to the US inside the governor's mansion in Frankfort Monday night.

Cui Tiankai has been in that role since 2013 and says he's been making progress in expanding Chinese businesses in the US by meeting with governors, including Bevin, on various business trips.

"I got a very good impression and get to know the people there, make new friends," Ambassador Tiankai said in a 30-minute news conference.

"These things are good. They are good for our people. They will help hundreds of people and thousands within communities to benefit from these types of things," Governor Bevin told reporters.

Gov. Bevin says there are fewer than 10 Chinese owned companies in the state that employ about 9,000 people. It's a stark contrast to 200 Japanese owned companies in the state which employs 45,000 Kentuckians.

Governor Bevin trying to persuade Chinese investors to come to Kentucky, answering to our question on where these talks will lead in the next decade.

"What do I want to see in one, two, three, five, 10 years? More than 200 Chinese owned companies employing people in Kentucky. It's not inconceivable. I think that's a small hurdle," he said.

How would the governor get that done? He didn't provide specifics but hinted he would be making an economic announcement soon that could top $100 million. "It's a very significant opportunity from a Chinese owned company in a Kentucky based operation," Governor Bevin told WHAS11.

While Bevin says he didn't talk about the tariffs imposed against several Chinese goods, he says it won't be long lasting. "President Trump and President Xi are both very seasoned, experienced business minded people and I am confident they will work things out at the highest levels," he said.

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