Indiana University President Michael McRobbie and six mayors from around the state will join Gov. Mitch Daniels during a 10-day trade mission he is making to China and Japan.
Indiana business executives and other state and local officials also will be among about 50 people taking part in the trip that starts in Shanghai, China on Sept. 7, the governor's office announced Monday. The delegation will spend four days in China, before going to Japan and then returning to Indiana on Sept. 16.
"We believe in redoubling our efforts in hard times, to gain ground on other states while they're raising taxes and making themselves less attractive to business," Daniels said in a statement.
Daniels has made three previous trips to Japan since taking office in 2005. He also traveled to Germany and Great Britain two years ago.
The governor's schedule for next week includes meetings in Shanghai with officials of Columbus-based engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. and drugmaker Eli Lilly & Co. of Indianapolis.
Daniels' itinerary in Japan has him attending the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association meeting Sept. 13-14 in Tokyo, where he is one of three Midwest governor scheduled to attend. He also is scheduled to talk with executives of Honda, Toyota and Subaru — all of which have significant Indiana operations — as well as meeting with Mitsubishi and Sony officials.
Those going on the trip include the mayors of Michael Fincher of Logansport; Wayne Seybold of Marion; Sharon McShurley of Muncie; John Ditslear of Noblesville; Bruce Hosier of Portland; and Jon Costas of Valparaiso.
The governor's office said the trip's cost is being paid for by private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.