REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 15, 2022
FROM
DEREK ARMSTRONG, Director, Economic Development
SUBJECT
Title
Non-Financial Memorandum of Understanding for the Continuation of International Trade and Investment Cooperation
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding with Wuxi, China for a term of five years, for the continuation of international trade and investment cooperation.
2. Authorize the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Chief Executive Officer, or the Economic Development Director to execute the Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Direct the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Chief Executive Officer, or the Economic Development Director to provide the Memorandum of Understanding to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Derek Armstrong, Director, 387-4385)
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COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Create, Maintain and Grow Jobs and Economic Value in the County.
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
San Bernardino County (County) is an increasingly important gateway for international trade and, therefore, potential recipient of foreign direct investment. Led by, and with the support of the Board of Supervisors (Board), Economic Development (ED) has established a trade and investment program to attract foreign direct investment and promote the county as a prime location investment destination, setting the groundwork to create new jobs, increase capital availability for local businesses, contribute to higher economic productivity and growth, and increase global competitiveness.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) template was approved by the Board on May 24, 2016 (Item No. 73), for the establishment of trade and investment cooperative relationship building with international agencies. The MOU is a statement of mutual intent to support cooperation and communication to promote business in sectors of importance to the County including advanced manufacturing; logistics; warehouse and distribution; transportation and infrastructure; healthcare, agriculture; education; clean energy and tourism.
On January 24, 2017 (Item No. 71), the Board approved a County delegation trip to China, led by Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman. The Board also approved the establishment of Sister City Agreement No.17-948 with Taoyuan, China and a MOU with Wuxi, China (Agreement No. 17-949). Agreement No. 17-949 was signed in China on February 20, 2017 and expired on February 20, 2022.
In the interest of continuing and strengthening the County’s partnership with Wuxi, China, and their local municipal districts, a new five-year MOU is proposed for Board consideration. If approved, the MOU will be signed via a live virtual signing ceremony. The date of the ceremony will be determined following Board approval.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Dawn M. Martin, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 24, 2022; Finance (Carl Lofton, Finance Analyst, (909) 387-5404) on October 31, 2022; and County Finance and Administration (Robert Saldana, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on October 31, 2022.