They blame poachers and commercial hunting without an agreement. Bear hides can bring thousands of dollars. But the organs are viewed as having medicinal value in parts of Asia. For 10 days Japan and China will be the focus of Governor Tony Knowles. Knowles is set to lead a 33-member delegation of Alaska business leaders on a mission to Japan and China beginning next Monday.
Japan is Alaska's top export market while China hold strong potential for Alaska products.
Knowles says this trade mission is the perfect opportunity to renew ties with business partners. He also expressed intentions to get a foot in the door of China. Japan purchased 1.3 billion dollars worth of Alaska products in 1999. Seafood products comprised just over half of that. Alaska exports to the People's Republic of China were 111 million dollars last year.