The Michigan-China Innovation Center has opened a new office in the 1001 Woodward Building in downtown Detroit on Monday, July 11.

"This center will focus on creating jobs in Michigan in partnership with China," Brian Connors, the center's executive director and former development manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. told Crain's Detroit Business, adding that they will start in screen bilingual candidates willing to work in a full- and part-time positions.

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The planned state-funded, non-profit center was first announced in March after it received a $5 million grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, with the aim of luring Chinese firms to invest in the state over the next five years.

"With the incredible growth of China's economy, it is a crucial strategic partner. We want to make sure Michigan is taking advantage of all the opportunities so we can drive economic growth and increase our competitiveness," Connors said.

The funding will be allocated for salaries, marketing, startup cost, office rent, and travel. Furthermore, the center will target automotive component manufacturing as well as research and development.

Connor claims that he already has "a number of fish on the line" and said he hoped to announce job-creating investments soon.

He also believes that locating the center downtown is vital. "As Detroit goes, so goes the state of Michigan. It is an exciting opportunity. We expect to see a lot more traffic downtown by senior Chinese businesspeople. We're excited to be part of the innovation downtown," Connors explained.

Currently, the state has around 200 Chinese-owned firms that contribute $3 billion in foreign direct investment.

TagsMichigan-China Innovation Center