Gov. Jim Doyle announced Friday two companies participating in Wisconsin's trade delegation to China have signed agreements to begin providing services there.
The Center for International Health, based in Milwaukee, signed an agreement to provide training and technical assistance to help Shanghai improve its emergency medical response.
Madison-based Cuna Mutual Group signed an agreement in December to provide financial services to Chinese credit cooperatives. The company began laying the groundwork for expansion to China 15 years ago and expects to begin offering its products there later this year.
Doyle announced both agreements during a conference call with reporters Friday.
TrafficCast, another Madison-based company participating in the delegation, signed agreements earlier in the week to provide software and database technology to help Shanghai manage traffic flow.
In a press release Friday, Doyle stressed the potential of increased trade with China to create jobs and grow the Wisconsin economy.
\The health care expertise we have in Wisconsin will help to save lives in Shanghai, while creating a greater demand in China for medical equipment and services created by Wisconsin companies,"" Doyle said of the Center for International Health deal.
To complete its agreement with Shanghai, TrafficCast will need to expand its Madison operation from 35 jobs to more than 60. Doyle said in a press release this demonstrates the ""tremendous potential for innovative Wisconsin companies to play a role as China is rapidly upgrading and modernizing its infrastructure.""
""We are pleased that this investment will help us to create high-paying jobs in Wisconsin,"" TrafficCast Chief Operating Officer Connie Li said in a press release.
Rick Uhlmann, senior manager of media relations for Cuna Mutual, said the company participated in the trade delegation in order to share its experience working in China with other companies. The delegation has not led to any new developments for Cuna Mutual's expansion, Uhlmann said.
Cuna Mutual also expects expansion into China to lead to more jobs and greater financial strength, according to a company press release.
Doyle is in China until Wednesday with the trade delegation, which represents businesses, trade associations, non-profits and the UW-Madison. Its goal is increasing Wisconsin exports to China.
