The Ames Chamber of Commerce will partner with the Greater Des Moines Partnership to host a trip to China in September.

Dan Culhane, president of the chamber, said the purpose of the trip is to introduce its members to the Chinese economy and present them with opportunities to do business there.

“We already have a number of businesses between Des Moines and Ames that have a presence in Asia,” Culhane said. Those businesses include biotech and seed companies.

The trip will cater to people who have not traveled to China before. Culhane said he hopes to open doors and eliminate the mystery business in China.

Along with business opportunities, Culhane said trip members can also reconnect with alumni and recruit students to study in Des Moines and Ames.

So far, about 15 people have expressed interest in going on the trip. Their goal is to have 40 to 50 people in attendance.

“We have a nice array of diverse business people expressing interest,” Culhane said.

The trip will take place September 1 – 8.