California seeks to expand high-tech, bio-tech ties

California, one of China's largest trading partners in the United States, is trying to drum up more cooperation with Chinese businesses in high-tech and bio-tech sectors.

California State Assemblyman Travis Allen, who represents coastal Orange County in Southern California, is leading a delegation to China this week to promote cooperation in technology transfer, technology innovation and investment.

The delegation visited the Baishishan China-US Science and Technology Innovation Park and Development Area in Hebei province on Tuesday.

It is planning to arrange meetings with more Chinese government officials, experts and businessmen to investigate potential opportunities for California companies doing business in China.

"As a representative of California, I see great potential for the success of California companies in the high-tech, bio-tech, energy and environmental remediation sectors to grow in China and meet the needs of the country," Allen said during an interview in Beijing.

This two-way cooperation will naturally bring more foreign investment back to California, resulting in more jobs and increased economic activity, he said.

California is the largest exporting state to Asia. In 2013, it exported almost $70 billion in goods to the region.

California's exports to the Chinese mainland totaled $16.4 billion in 2013. Computers and electronic products accounted for over 31 percent of exports to China.

In terms of investment, since 2008, China's investment in California's high-tech sector has gained momentum, increasing to $7.3 billion in 2012 and $14.1 billion in 2013.

"We are looking for more chances as China is in increasing need of education, clean food and technology," Allen said.