SALT LAKE CITY -- Gov. Jon Huntsman will lead a trade mission to China for at least 19 Utah companies that make everything from tropical fruit beverages to aircraft equipment.

Huntsman, a former U.S. diplomat to Singapore, and the business executives will travel to Beijing on Oct. 16 and return from Shanghai five days later, according to a copy of his travel plans.

The delegation will call on Chinese and U.S. embassy officials, with the companies paying their own way.

They include XanGo, which bottles mangosteen juice, other nutritional supplement makers, biotechnology company Cytozyme Laboratories Inc. and EnergySolutions, formerly Envirocare, the radioactive-waste disposal company that's branching out into hazardous cleanups and power-plant maintenance.

Also on hand will be executives for software company The SCO Group, Zions First National Bank, Parker Aerospace, which makes flight and engine control systems for airliners, and industrial suppliers including Orbit Irrigation Products Inc., according to the governor's office.

"The long-term opportunities for Utah companies in China are extraordinary," said Brett Heimburger, Asia director for the Governor's Office for Economic Development. "Gaining access to the Chinese market does not happen overnight. It's a long process and relationships are key. This trip will allow Utah companies access to relationships that would be difficult for them to forge otherwise." Huntsman, also a former Bush administration trade negotiator, speaks fluent Mandarin.

His office said the delegation would number about 40, including more than 30 business people plus state and university officials.

The trip to China will be Huntsman's first as governor. Huntsman, a Republican who took office in 2005, said he considers China to be one of Utah's most important future trading partners.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D6.