AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Members of Gov. Paul LePage’s trade mission to China say they see opportunities in several areas, including seafood exports, education and tourism.

But the big take-away from last week’s visit by the 13-member Maine delegation to Hong Kong and Shanghai, China, was the importance of building relationships with their hosts. At a news conference Tuesday, delegation leaders also said LePage’s presence helped to open doors in a market that’s not easy to get into.

Maine International Trade Center President Janine Bisaillon-Cary said attracting Chinese students to Maine academies is important because it sets the groundwork for potential investments by their families.

China is Maine’s third largest foreign market with more than $275 million of Maine products exported in 2011.