On January 22, Consul General Gao Yanping met with Bob Riley, the Governor of Alabama in his office. Counsellor Yan Guohua and Neal Wade, the Director of Alabama Development Office, Hilda C. Lockhart, the Director of Alabama International Trade Division were present.

Consul General Gao said, exchanges and cooperation between China and Alabama achieved good development in recent years. Alabama's export to China registered 817 million USD in 2008. China is the fourth largest export market of Alabama. More than one thousand Chinese students are studying in Alabama universities. More Chinese enterprises have established their business in Alabama. China and Alabama have a broad prospect of cooperation. Consul General Gao welcomed Governor Riley to lead a delegation to attend the 2010 Shanghai World EXPO. She also stressed that the strengthening of exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States will bring tangible benefits to the peoples from both sides.

Governor Riley said, Alabama had benefited greatly from the sound China-U.S. relations. The State Government and the people of Alabama had wide consensus on developing relations with China. Alabama has rich resources and perfect infrastructures. Its economic performances are better than lots of other States. Governor Riley welcomed more Chinese enterprises to establish their business in Alabama, more Chinese tourists and students come to Alabama. Governor Riley would lead a delegation to visit China in June, 2010.