State Rep. Dan Roach (R-Bonney Lake) has welcomed a group of young political leaders from China for a week of activities, introductions and presentations involving Washington political leaders, prominent employers and local government, businesses and schools.
"We're all part of the American Council for Young Political Leaders," said Roach, who is one of the youngest members ever to be elected to the Washington Legislature. "I was hosted in the same way last year in India. Now I have the opportunity to engage my Chinese counterparts in Washington's political, civic and business interests."
The seven-member delegation includes representatives from the People's Republic of China's municipal government, media, education and youth, criminal Supreme Court and securities regulatory office. They arrived Sunday and will participate in a full, five-day schedule of meetings, tours and presentations in the Puget Sound region.
Included will be a Thursday tour through Buckley, Rainier School and Enumclaw.
"I'm very excited to learn more about Chinese civic life and politics, and to help educate the delegation about us in Washington," Roach s aid. "This will be an intensive tour designed to introduce the members to all aspects of state and local government, large and small business, trade and transportation, K-12 and higher education as well as our culturally diverse population highlighting the Muckleshoot Indian Nation and Seattle's International District."
The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) is a bipartisan, non-profit organization funded through private donations and a grant from the federal government. The council conducts international exchange programs with more than 75 countries for emerging political leaders between the ages of 25 to 40. Exchanges are designed to provide this new generation of leaders with direct international experience that hones diplomatic skills, broadens perspective, strengthens commitment to democracy and free markets, and prepares leaders for the world stage.
"The most important, high-profile group that ACYPL works with in the world is from the People's Republic of China," said ACYPL senior program officer Ken Insley.
"I couldn't be more pleased and honored that ACYPL selected me to host our Chinese friends," Roach said.
