Chinese executives visit Lafayette area

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The future of the local economy was the focus of many Lafayette area officials Thursday afternoon, as they met with dozens of Chinese business executives to showcase what the area has to offer.

The delegates are part of an executive development program at the South China University of Technology.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said, it's an honor and necessity to be the area of focus for foreign business development.

"This is just a continuation of that outreach of marketing our community to the world," Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said. "We all know that we compete in a global economy and we have to keep building these relationships."

Officials said, the delegation was a good way to help increase diversity of a local economy that's already diverse.

They said diversity is an important factor in creating economic stability, because relying on just one type of business is a risk.

"I think we've seen that in other states that were so heavily involved in the auto industry," Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh said. "When there are certain issues with that, your entire economy can crash."

"They come from manufacturing," West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said. "They come from banking. They come from all aspects of business, and they bring an understanding of how business works."

Economic and cultural diversity were just two of the main selling points to the Chinese executives.

Leaders of the South China University business program said, the Greater Lafayette area has a lot going for it, and Purdue University is a big part of that.

"We are very excited," South China University of Technology Professor Zhihong Li said. "The local community is very beautiful. We are so impressed and fascinated by the long history and culture held by Purdue University."