By Alabama Public Radio
Alabama – A 10-day trade mission that includes stops in England and South Korea begins today in China. China is Alabama's fifth largest trading partner, with exports growing from 210-million dollars in 2001 ... to 467-million dollars in 2005. The delgation's visit to Korea will coincide with a separate trade mission from Montgomery regarding suppliers for the county's Hyundai plant. On Friday, the state will host a dinner for about 60 automotive executives in Seoul. The Alabama Development Office says there will be at least 30 suppliers represented at the dinner ... almost half of which do not have currently have U-S operations. One point of discussion is expected to be Kia's new plant in West Point GA. Alabama hope spin off industries from that plant will locate along the Interstate-85 corridor in Alabama.