WJZ Talks To O'Malley During Trip To Asia To Boost Md. Trade

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Millions of dollars are coming Maryland's way as Governor Martin O'Malley continues his trade mission in Asia.

He spoke with WJZ by phone Wednesday morning.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on the state's progress in Asia.

The reception for Korean officials in Annapolis preceded O'Malley's trip to Asia. While he was in China he sent a YouTube message home.

"Looking forward to a lot of cooperation both ways as we move forward into that better future we prefer for our kids," said O'Malley.

O'Malley's travels have landed the state a $40 million deal with a Chinese biopharmaceutical company. Small businesses like Marlin Steel Wire Products are looking to expand in the foreign market.

On the phone, O'Malley told WJZ they are making progress.

"There is a gentleman here who owns a seafood company on the Eastern Shore. He is what we would say is a small businessman. If he's able to conclude a deal in China that instantly makes his business double in size," said O'Malley.

Maryland has landed several deals.

"There's a lot of capital out there in this big world that can be invested in Maryland if we make it easy for them to come," said O'Malley. "We've got to get into this game."

Key to that game is Maryland's leadership in life sciences and technology, like a facility in Frederick.

"We've got to market to these huge numbers of consumers if we're going to create jobs at home," said O'Malley.

The Maryland delegation is also visiting Korea and Vietnam. China was Maryland's third largest export market last year with half a billion dollars in sales.