For his final time as mayor, Richard Daley next week will head to China in hopes of bringing jobs and business to Chicago.
His two-week trip will include five Chinese cities and continues his quest to make Chicago the most China-friendly city in the United States.
The outgoing mayor is hoping to gain a strong economic partner and wants to persuade Chinese companies to invest in Chicago companies and manufacturing and put the city’s residents back to work.
A large part of the trip is also about laying the groundwork to provide a smooth transition for Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel. Daley said there are already plans in the works to send Emanuel and his team to the Asian country later this summer.
Daley talked about the trip Thursday during a Misericordia fundraiser that was part of his farewell tour. He gave Emanuel a vote of confidence in front of the Misericordia crowd, saying the next mayor will meet the challenges facing the city.
Misericordia is a home for developmentally disabled people and a Chicago institution. Former White House Adviser David Axelrod, whose daughter resides at Misericordia, was also on-hand.
Both he and Daley are long-time supporters.
