FirstPathway Weblog

On Wednesday April, 1^st 2009 Zhang Yingxin, Deputy Director General, of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce for the Peoples Republic of China (CIPA), was proud to announce the successful results yielded by its 2007 memorandum of understanding with Wisconsin. The CIPA’s charge is to engage the Chinese investment promotion process through foreign direct investment both in and from China.

In her recent letter to Wisconsin Department of Commerce Secretary Leinenkugel, Yingxin commented on the importance of “coordinating international efforts and enhancing cooperation” especially in times of economic turmoil. Yingxin also cited ties between allies, like Wisconsin and China, as vital in such times. China is Wisconsin’s third largest trading partner.

Later this month Governor Doyle, Secretary Leinenkugel, and our own Bob Kraft will meet with the CIPA delegation to discuss investment synergies and perform local field visits. The state of Wisconsin is honored to host such an influential and cooperative economic partner.

As the City of Milwaukee and FirstPathway Partners welcomed the Ningbo Delegation, the Chinese came baring gifts.  In an event at the Zeidler Municipal Building in Downtown Milwaukee, two hand carved stone lions were unveiled by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Ningbo Vice Mayor Wu Hemin, and FirstPathway Partners Chairman Bob Kraft, among others.  These 6 foot tall lions each weigh nearly 3,000 pounds, and will guard the city of Milwaukee.  FirstPathway was honored to be part of such a wonderful event.

FirstPathway Partners also sponsored a boat tour on the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan for the Ningbo Delegation.  The visitors from China were able to get a unique view of Milwaukee from the water, and see much of what the City has to offer. 

After the dedication of the lions, Bob Kraft and Dan Wycklendt joined the rest of delegation for dinner at Foley and Lardner, in the top of the US Bank Building.  It was a perfect opportunity for the Milwaukee representatives to break bread with the visitors from Ningbo and discuss the future growing relationship between the two cities.

The following day, representatives from the Milwaukee area and local business people met for the 2008 Ningbo-Milwaukee Business Cooperation Trade Conference.  The Conference, hosted by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, focused on opportunities for Ningbo and Milwaukee to work together in the future. 

FirstPathway Partners was honored to take part welcoming our visitors from Ningbo.  We look forward to working with them in the future to grow the relationship between our two cities.

Thank you Jason Li and Janice Zagorski for the pictures from the events!

Here is the story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=774242