Gov. Doyle: Signs collaborative trade agreement with Shaanxi Province

Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

XI’AN, CHINA – Governor Jim Doyle today signed a collaborative trade agreement with Governor Zhao Zhengyong of Shaanxi Province in order to further mutual cooperation and investment opportunities. The Governor signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) as part of his work to promote Wisconsin industry and trade in China.

“In Shaanxi Province, Wisconsin is well-positioned to partner with China in areas of high growth, especially in the areas of sustainable manufacturing, agriculture, and clean energy,” Governor Doyle said. “This agreement affirms our commitment to working together to grow our economies and develop strong cultural and educational relationships that will benefit our industries and people.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Wisconsin and Shaanxi will establish mechanisms to strengthen bilateral cooperation for promoting economic and social development. Wisconsin and Shaanxi will also identify areas for cooperation and exchange in the areas of agriculture, environment, sustainable manufacturing, and clean energy. The agreement also establishes a framework for pursuing educational and cultural exchanges. In addition, the parties will encourage direct investment opportunities and joint venture enterprises.

Shaanxi is a province in central China that had a 2008 population of over 37 million people. Shaanxi is one of China’s centers for wheat, livestock and cotton production. It also has large coal and natural gas reserves. Its capital, Xi’an, is the site of the buried terra-cotta army. Governor Jim Doyle previously visited Xi’an, Shaanxi’s capital, on trade missions in 2007 and 2009.

Governor Doyle has worked hard to develop Wisconsin’s trade with China. When the Governor came into office, China was Wisconsin’s sixth largest trade partner with $417 million in exports. Today, China is the state’s third largest trade partner – behind only Canada and Mexico.

From September 24 – October 1, 2010, Governor Doyle is promoting Wisconsin businesses and holding high-level meetings with government and businesses leaders from Wisconsin and China in Beijing, Nanchang, Xi’an and Shanghai. During Governor Doyle’s visit, he will address specific issues facing Wisconsin businesses while forging relationships and building new partnerships that will help Wisconsin companies expand their export initiatives in China.

To view the text of the Wisconsin-Shaanxi agreement, visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=20360.