Massachusetts expands its China presence

Massachusetts has expanded its foreign trade mission in China, another sign of the Bay State's efforts to help local companies do more business in Asia.

The state, which already shared an office with four other states in Shanghai, has opened a second office in Beijing's financial district, according to the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

The move comes nine months after Governor Deval L. Patrick led a trade mission to China.

Daniel Ding, a former Beijing consultant, will run both offices and report to the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, the state said.

Many Massachusetts companies, including Covidien Ltd. and Inverness Medical Innovations Inc., already have offices in China, while others have partners in the country.

Massachusetts exports to mainland China have increased by 79 percent since 2005, according to the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

The state also has trade offices in Brazil, Germany, and Mexico.
(By Todd Wallack, Globe staff))