WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of Nebraska values its relationship with China and hopes to further strengthen trade relationship with the Asian country, Governor Dave Heineman said Wednesday.

"Nebraska has been and will be a friend of China. Nebraska has always had a strong relationship with China. Nebraskans are pleased to be conducting business in China. This is an important relationship -- one that we value," Heineman said in an interview with Xinhua on the eve of a trip to Asia early next month.

The governor said his delegation has chosen Shanghai as the first stop during the upcoming trip to Asia "in order to demonstrate our commitment to a strong relationship between Nebraska and China."

The main purpose of the trip, according to the governor, is to pursue opportunities to promote and sell Nebraska products.

"Through this trade, we hope to promote increased ties between China and the state of Nebraska," he said.

During the interview, Governor Heineman also said that he fully supports the U.S. government's one-China policy which he thinks has served the Asia-Pacific region well for many years.

Nebraska, located in the central region of the United States, has an estimated population of 1.8 million as of 2006. As a leading farming state, Nebraska has enjoyed a fast growth in trade with China in recent years. China is the fourth largest exporting market of the state.