O'Malley planning trade mission to India
Gov. Martin O'Malley said today that his office is planning a trade mission to India, an expedition that would be the governor's second international trip this year aimed at promoting Maryland businesses abroad.
O'Malley said the purpose of the trip would be "jobs" and said he hopes to go "before the year's end."
"We're working on it," O'Malley said. "As with the trip that we took to China, we promote the competitive strengths of Maryland. Life sciences, biotech, information technology, healing -- all of the things that are our strongest sectors."
The governor led a three-nation tour of Asia in June and was joined by nearly 70 officials for various parts of it. In addition to China, the itinerary included South Korea and Vietnam.
After returning, O'Malley estimated the trip netted $85 million in deals between Maryland and Asian companies, and additional contracts were in the works at the time. The cost to taxpayers for the 10-day mission was $164,000.
O'Malley said the purpose of the trip would be "jobs" and said he hopes to go "before the year's end."
"We're working on it," O'Malley said. "As with the trip that we took to China, we promote the competitive strengths of Maryland. Life sciences, biotech, information technology, healing -- all of the things that are our strongest sectors."
The governor led a three-nation tour of Asia in June and was joined by nearly 70 officials for various parts of it. In addition to China, the itinerary included South Korea and Vietnam.
After returning, O'Malley estimated the trip netted $85 million in deals between Maryland and Asian companies, and additional contracts were in the works at the time. The cost to taxpayers for the 10-day mission was $164,000.
The governor did not give any other details about the upcoming India trip, stressing that it is still in the planning phases.
The India trip was mentioned during at an event at Montgomery College designed to promote a new link between the community college and Discovery Communications, a $20 billion media firm that produces popular shows like Animal Planet and MythBusters. The company is launching an advertising campaign aimed at persuading mid-career workers to enroll in community colleges.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan attended the event and calling himself "a cheerleader" for the ad campaign. "This is clearly a challenging time in our country with high unemployment," Duncan said.
He also estimated there are two million unfilled jobs in the country, with employers unable to find workers with the right skills. Duncan said the "skills gap" can be addressed through the country's network of community colleges, institutions that are nimble enough to make changes in their curriculum to provide the training for high-skills jobs like nursing.
The India trip was mentioned during at an event at Montgomery College designed to promote a new link between the community college and Discovery Communications, a $20 billion media firm that produces popular shows like Animal Planet and MythBusters. The company is launching an advertising campaign aimed at persuading mid-career workers to enroll in community colleges.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan attended the event and calling himself "a cheerleader" for the ad campaign. "This is clearly a challenging time in our country with high unemployment," Duncan said.
He also estimated there are two million unfilled jobs in the country, with employers unable to find workers with the right skills. Duncan said the "skills gap" can be addressed through the country's network of community colleges, institutions that are nimble enough to make changes in their curriculum to provide the training for high-skills jobs like nursing.
Comments
Moron Malley. Bring me back some curry. And bring MD back the Indian style ed system. It will offend your supporter. But it works.
Posted by: didactic1 | August 23, 2011 7:25 PM
Yes the "best and the brightest" are in India...maybe O'Malley can convince them to stop taking our IT jobs overseas or with H1-B Visas here. With our new community college degrees they won't need them anymore.
Posted by: Gina | August 23, 2011 8:19 PM
Correct me if i am wrong. Once Omalley returned from Asia the States only solar panel company moved there for cheaper labor and less goverment taxes. thanks Martin, you really did well there.
Posted by: joe-ball | August 23, 2011 8:43 PM
Funny I've applied for a few positions with Discovery with a BA degree with no response at all at different times during this year. I went back to school for the purpose of retooling and I'm within a few month's of completing my MBA. While its nice from a personal perspective I'm now further in debt and I'm quesitoning my decision to go back in these unsettling climates. There seems to be an underlying code or climate with some of these hiring managers concerning a person's age as it relates to their level of available options in these markets.
Posted by: HD | August 23, 2011 9:01 PM
I lost my job in 2009 because part of my job was sent to India. What happened to stop sending our jobs overseas.
Posted by: Terry L. Johnson | August 23, 2011 9:20 PM
What a dip of a governor. People out of jobs,state wants to increase taxes because they say they have no money for things & this idiot wants to travel at our expense.Evidently he does not have any foresight or hind sight. Let's face it, he is not going overseas by himself. Bet there will be a troop of his sidekick players with him. Let's wake up MD. Time to vote out quite a few we do not need.
Posted by: RPC | August 23, 2011 10:28 PM
A 10 day mission to Asia for $164,000. If my math is correct that's $16,400 per day. That will buy you a lot of rice. Let me lay a few bucks and say that the net job growth from these trips will amount to less than 500 jobs. This waste of a governor is one of the biggest liars I have ever heard, he goes on TV and lies about jobs in MD, about economic growth in the State but is willing to say in disguised language that he is ready to raise taxes on the citizens of MD. Never a word about truly cutting spending. He makes me puke.
Posted by: reader203 | August 23, 2011 10:32 PM
I N D I A ??? Why not go to Mexico and get them to send MD. "New Jobs" to go with O' Ashhole's "New Americans"
Posted by: jimiright | August 23, 2011 10:39 PM
Arne Duncan says there are 2 million available jobs out there??..Are you joking...Plus Arne Duncan was the Chicago School System Head...Wonder how he got this job?..This is just Omalley claiming international experience when he moves up the ladder...
Posted by: Marvin Goetz | August 23, 2011 10:49 PM
O' My-I-Lie-malley exports jobs and companies an imports illegal..I mean "New Americans"....that can't legally work here but at least they can go to our parks and feel at home...or el casa'
Posted by: jimiright | August 23, 2011 11:13 PM
Why is O'Malley not being sanctioned? He should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity. Why is he supporting India or China after the contamination of medicines? Read: From China to Panama, a Trail of Poisoned Medicine. O'Malley please do not speak for Maryland, you will never have my support again... LIAR AND CROOK....TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT FOSTER CARE CHILDREN....
Posted by: Rosita | August 24, 2011 1:26 AM
"After returning, O'Malley estimated the trip netted $85 million in deals between Maryland and Asian companies,"
How does the Sun allow MOM to make such a statement without questioning the details? What deals? With whom? for how much? terms and conditions?
By allowing MOM to blurt out this figure unquestioned; the Sun is no better than Pravda. We produced 700% more tractors this year. Da! Enjoy your borscht............
Posted by: mdr | August 24, 2011 4:57 AM
All OweMalley is doing is setting up his resume for the Democratic Presidential nomination after Babs gives him the remainder of her term. Unfortunately, he's doing it on the backs of Maryland's taxpayers.
Posted by: Jimmy A | August 24, 2011 6:27 AM
This is the worst excuse for a public office elected in any state. The man is a moron. He even sounds like a moron. Another costly trip. Give away money to illegal aliens. Raise taxes on legal residents. Raise tolls on tax overloaded citizens of Maryland. He really has to go.
Posted by: Jo Prior | August 24, 2011 8:14 AM