03.23.06 Barrett to Welcome China Delegation to Milwaukee in May

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2006

Contact:	Eileen Force, Communications Director
	Office of Mayor Tom Barrett
	414-286-8504 (phone) 414-286-3191 (fax) eforce@milwaukee.gov

	Andrea Rowe, Dept. of City Development
	(414) 286-8580

Barrett to Welcome China Delegation to Milwaukee in May
Mayor's Mission to China Led Ningbo Officials Here

MILWAUKEE (March 23, 2006) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced today that a delegation of elected officials from Ningbo, China will travel to Milwaukee to continue building a relationship that was begun during the Mayor's October mission to China.

"I am thrilled that we will have the opportunity to host a delegation from Ningbo, as we continue to talk to the Chinese about the many wonderful opportunities Milwaukee has to offer for business partnerships, academic exchanges and investment opportunities," said Mayor Barrett. "I look forward to showing off Milwaukee to our friends."

Mayor Barrett made the announcement during his welcoming remarks to Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, who attended the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's networking event in Milwaukee titled China Business 2006: Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Companies. The program pairs business executives, legal experts, academics and government officials who have on-the-ground business experience in China with local companies to discuss U.S.-China export and investment opportunities.

The 10-member delegation from Ningbo will include a representative of Mayor Mao and will arrive in Milwaukee on May 11th, 2006. Mayor Barrett says he expects to welcome the group at a city hall reception and to sign a formal exchange agreement between the two cities.

Ningbo is a major port city, south of Shanghai. More information about Ningbo and Mayor Barrett's mission to China is available on his blog at http://www.mkedcd.org/chinablog/

Mayor Barrett also welcomed the good news that Harley-Davidson Motorcycles is opening its first dealership in mainland China. During his 8-day mission to China, Mayor Barrett took the opportunity to promote Harley-Davidson products and later urged President Bush to help make the case to ease restrictions that prevented Harley-Davidson from entering the Chinese market with its products.

"One of the most recognizable American products is the Harley-Davidson motorcycle," said Barrett. "I am thrilled that Harley will be expanding its retail operations in a new market while keeping jobs safe and strong at home."

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