Wright City officials have a watchful eye on the state’s special legislative session which began this week. In particular, officials are interested in the discussion on proposed tax breaks to turn Lambert-St. Louis International Airport into an international cargo hub. With its close proximity to the airport, they feel the city provides an attractive location for a foreign manufacturer interested in opening a plant in the region. The proposed tax credit initiative, better known as the China Hub or Aerotropolis, will provide $360 million in tax credits, one of the largest incentive proposals of its kind in the state. Under the plan, tax credits will be given to companies that arrange international shipments out of Lambert or build storage facilities or warehouses to hold goods in nearby “gateway zones,” which must be located within 50 miles of the airport. “It could be a win-win situation,” said Karen Girondo, Wright City economic development director. In May, the city became a member of Midwest U.S.-China Association, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization designed to promote business and educational opportunities between Midwestern states and China. City officials met with former Missouri Gov. Bob Holden, chairman of the association’s board, a meeting that was orchestrated by Cunningham, Vogel and Rost PC, the legal firm that represents the city. The city is paying $3,600 over four years, or $900 per year, to be a member of the Midwest U.S.-China Association. With this, the city will be invited to meetings with U.S. And China business and political leaders, gain admission for development and public events, participate in exclusive policy briefings, and receive briefings from Chinese partners. Should the airport package gain approval from the state Legislature, city officials hope to reap some benefit from joining the Midwest U.S.-China Association that could connect it with foreign business leaders. “It puts our name out there,” Girondo said. “It’s another resource for us. Does it means we will get somebody right away? No, but it gets us out there for a better chance. She added, “No. 1, it’s all about relationships. If they don’t know you, they won’t come looking.” Alderman Jim Schuchmann, speaking at the time Wright City joined the Midwest U.S.-China Association, agreed the organization could provide an avenue for economic boost for the city. “It’s an outstanding opportunity,” he said. “What Gov. Holden and the group have put together, they have already started making connections in China. (Businesses in China) feel we have the work force, the education, natural resources that they need to produce their products.”