FirstPathway Weblog

The week of Friday June 12^th Bob Kraft visited offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen to train staff.  During his visit to the region he also visited the US Consulate Office in Guangzhou for a meeting with consular officials.

June 8th through the 10th thousands of people from around the world visited the International Trade Conference Pavilion in Ningbo for The Zhejiang Investment & Trade Symposium, among those in attendance was FirstPathway Partners. The Zhejiang Investment & Trade Symposium serves to encourage exchanges and discussion between companies in the Zhejiang province and overseas investment promotion organizations such as Economic Cooperation Zones, and sister cities like Milwaukee.

During the conference FirstPathway executives attended a lunches hosted by The Ningbo Foreign Affairs Office, The Ningbo Foreign Trade and Cooperation Bureau, The Ningbo Foreign Affairs Office and The Xiangshan Municipal Government. Topics for the meetings included future cooperation, gift exchange, visits, and promotion of the EB5 program.

On the final day of the conference  FirstPathway executives attended “Presentation on Investment in the US” a conference jointly held by Council of American States in China (CASIC) and the City of Ningbo.  During this conference FirstPathway Representative Young Shen was honored to present “Investor Immigration: New Developments and the EB5 Immigration Process” to hundreds of attendees.

While in Ningbo executives also met with the Bank of China & local immigration agents.

While in Ningbo for the Zhejiang Investment & Trade Symposium Bob Kraft and Dan Wycklendt were honored to receive a private tour of the province from friend and Senor Ambassador of Ningbo to the United States, Bangjie He. Their tour included a boat ride down the Fenghua River, a site visit to the future home of Milwaukee’s gift to Ningbo (its sister city), and many other historic local sites. During their visit Kraft and Wycklendt were also honored  guests at a private dinner hosted by the Yinzhou District Municipal Government. The two were also treated to an overnight stay at “Gold Beach” hosted by Xiangshan Municipal Government. We would like to thank all our friends in Ningbo for making our stay both memorable and enjoyable.

Milwaukee- a city which name comes from the Native American phrase “Gathering place by the water” lived up to its reputation when the United Nations designated Milwaukee as a U.N. Global Compact City last April 28, 2009.

This distinction from the United Nations makes Milwaukee one of the cities worldwide recognized as an international hub of water technology. This designation challenges Milwaukee to be an example in managing clean water.

Championing this program, the Milwaukee Water Council was created by the leaders of business and education in the region to create synergies between water companies and research centers. The Water Council, which uses its extensive relationships with businesses, universities and politicians, aims to boost the region’s economy and refresh its economic image. The water sector is expected to grow  around the world.

Aside from giving Milwaukee a chance to be recognized on a global scale, this designation from the United Nations should provide a wealth of opportunity for EB-5 investor immigrants.