Dept. of Commerce: Governor Doyle to Lead Trade Mission to Germany, Czech Republic and Poland

Contacts:
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

Trade Mission Will Run November 8 -16, 2005

Governor Jim Doyle will lead a delegation of Wisconsin business and government leaders to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland from November 8-16, 2005 to strengthen economic and governmental ties. Wisconsin exports nearly $50 million to Poland and the Czech Republic.

“My Grow Wisconsin 2005 Agenda calls for helping Wisconsin companies compete globally and capture a greater share of worldwide markets,” Governor Doyle said. “Both the Czech Republic and Poland, as new members of the European Union, represent logical and attractive markets for Wisconsin companies. International trade depends on strengthening relationships – and I am confident that through this trade mission, members will find new ways to tap into the emerging Eastern European market.”

The mission delegation includes 23 representatives from businesses including: Ariens Company of Brillion; Greenheck Fan Co. of Schofield; Badger Meter, Inc. of Milwaukee; Neuske’s Applewood Smoked Meats of Wittenberg; Harley-Davidson of Milwaukee; Chippewa Valley Bean Company of Menomonie; Symphony Corporation of Madison; Bonstone Materials Corporation of Mukwonago; Serigraph of West Bend; Elwood Corporation of Oak Creek, Dai Shin Technologies of Waukesha; United Tank Systems of Stockbridge; and PriceWaterhouseCoopers of Milwaukee.

Poland has the largest economy ($472 billion) of the new European Union (EU) member states, and is the sixth-largest market in the EU based on its population of 40 million. Poland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.7 percent in 2004 and is forecasted to remain above 4 percent growth for the next two years. The Czech Republic has the second-largest economy ($161 billion) of new EU members, and has the top-ranked business environment in Eastern Europe. Its GDP grew by 4.6 percent in 2004 and is forecasted to remain above 3.7 percent growth for the next two years. Both markets have strong potential for Wisconsin manufacturers of industrial machinery, environmental and pollution-control equipment, medical devices, and transportation equipment.

The mission will travel to the Frankfurt, Germany area, Prague, Czech Republic, and Warsaw, Poland. During the mission, businesses will have the opportunity to meet with pre-qualified agents, distributors, and potential customers, set expansion strategies, and meet with key government officials. Participants will also take part in briefings and business receptions with the U.S. Ambassador, and attend several events with government and business leaders.

Prior to reaching Prague on November 9, Governor Doyle will travel to Hessen, Germany, Wisconsin’s sister state. Governor Doyle will meet with Hessen Minister President Roland Koch, participate in a sister-park signing ceremony, and meet with German companies that have investments in Wisconsin to encourage them to expand their presence. Governor Doyle will also have breakfast with some Wisconsin members of the 123rd Main Support Battalion, US Army who are stationed there. The troops will demonstrate equipment made by Wisconsin’s Oshkosh Truck that is currently used by the Armed Forces.

Highlights of the Governor’s schedule include the following:

November 8, 2005

Sister-Park Signing Ceremony, Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany

Dinner with Hessen Minister President Roland Koch, Wiesbaden

November 9, 2005

Breakfast with Wisconsin Soldiers and Visit to Motor Pool featuring Oshkosh Truck Equipment, Dexheim

Visit to Merck KGaA (parent of EMD Biosciences, Madison, and Milwaukee Company, Milwaukee), Darmsadt, and Karl Schenck AG (parent of Schenck AccuRate, Whitewater), Darmsadt.

November 10, 2005

Meeting with Petr Bendl, Governor of the Central Bohemia Region

Roundtable on Biofuels with Czech Government and Business Leaders

Ambassador’s Reception, Prague, Czech Republic

November 11, 2005

Remarks to American Chamber of Commerce, Prague
Events Promoting Badger Meter, Harley Davidson and GE Healthcare, Prague

November 13, 2005

Dinner with Recently-Elected Polish Leaders, Warsaw

November 14, 2005

Marquette University – Warsaw University of Technology Meeting

Event Promoting Harley-Davidson

November 15, 2005

Remarks to American Chamber of Commerce, Warsaw
Ambassador’s Reception, Warsaw
Meeting with Ryszard Tur, Mayor of Białystok (Sister-City of Milwaukee County)

Those interested in following the trade mission can log on to the Governor’s trade mission http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/gov_mission.asp, which will be updated daily.

The Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection are coordinating the mission. The Governor’s expenses will be covered by businesses on the mission.