By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – The Chinese ambassador to the United States is visiting Missouri's State Capitol.
Zhou Wenzhong's visit to Jefferson City is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri officials to promote the development of a U.S.-Chinese air cargo hub at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. The $40 million project includes plans to expand air cargo facilities at Lambert.
"I will continue to devote myself to this project, and I sincerely hope that this big idea will blossom into greater fruition at an early date," Zhou said at a press conference at Governor Jay Nixon's office.
Nixon told reporters the proposed air hub would benefit the entire Midwest as well as Missouri.
"We're centrally located in the United States...we're in a unique opportunity to be with the growing, emerging, fast-growing economy of China, to be the leading spot for exporting Missouri goods and opening up trade opportunities both ways," Nixon said.
Zhou is spending the night at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City. On Tuesday, he's scheduled to meet with Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and legislative leaders.