California Governor Jerry Brown sets off to China as part of his continuing efforts to develop commercial ties with Chinese consumers.

Governor Brown said he plans to pitch the Golden state products and technology, and to open a trade office in Shanghai.

The governor's entourage includes about 75 business leaders and members of his staff.  The group will make stops in several cities including Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

The six-day tour is the second stage in the governor's efforts to enhance its business relationship with China. Last year, then China vice president Xi Jimping, now its president, visited California where the two leaders discussed setting up a joint task force on commercial development.

According to Governor Brown, he will persuade Chinese consumers who have "hundreds of billions in savings" to spend on California products and invest in the state's businesses.