(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman was joined by international guests taking part in Nebraska’s first Reverse Trade Mission in signing several cooperative agreements. At least 130 guests from 10 countries participated in the event, which began on Wednesday.

The Reverse Trade Mission drew business and government leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua, Canada, Spain, South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.

Several members of the China delegation signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the state pledging Nebraska would receive top consideration from five Shanghai, China companies looking to expand in the U.S. In addition, a company from Beijing, China announced plans to partner with a Nebraska company as it expands in the U.S. 

“I’m pleased with the enthusiastic response we’ve received from our first Reverse Trade Mission,” Gov. Heineman said. “It’s been a busy and very productive week.  We now have several strong leads for attracting new business facilities here to Nebraska. Specifically, there are several Chinese companies interested in building facilities to produce or distribute goods here in the United States. Today, we are pledging to work with these companies during the next year, in hopes of recruiting them here to Nebraska.”

Representatives of Behlen Manufacturing Co. of Columbus and HRC Energy, based in Beijing, announced a new partnership devoted to developing and using renewable energy. The business venture involves patented technology using shallow ground water to produce geothermal energy.

The Renewable Energy Sourced Cooling and Heating Environment System provides heating and cooling, as well as domestic hot water for buildings by combining well water with the advanced technology of a heat pump. The system was developed by the parent company of HRC-Ever Source Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd.

The Governor signed MOUs with the following China businesses:

Vice General Manager Shen Yonggao represented Shanghai Electric Group’s Southern Industrial Co., Ltd., at the signing. Shanghai Electric serves as power project contractor, providing equipment to power operators and is considering sites for a potential new facility manufacturing parts for power plants.
Representing Shanghai Chuangtong Cable Materials Co. Ltd., was General Manager Li Liming. Shanghai Chuangtong produces and markets communications equipment and cables. The company is considering sites for a potential manufacturing facility.
General Manager Chen Dawei represented the Shanghai Qinqiang Industry and Commerce Development Co., Ltd. at the signing. Shanghai Qinqiang is a leading trade and distribution company in eastern China for grains, meats and other food commodities.
Representing Shanghai Yongwei Food Co., Ltd., was General Manager He Yongwei. Shanghai Yongwei Food Co. primarily distributes frozen food products and is considering establishing export opportunities.
Vice General Manager Bao Qiusheng represented Shanghai Luodian Economic Investment Development Co. Ltd. at the signing. Shanghai Luodian oversees trade operations for 800 small companies providing technology and business services, and is interested in pursuing joint ventures with American companies.

The guests participated in one-on-one business meetings, panel discussions, and target-industry tours ranging from a wind turbine manufacturer and pilot cellulosic ethanol plant, to several of the University of Nebraska’s research facilities, Omaha’s Foreign Trade Zone and more than a dozen prominent Nebraska businesses.

Many reverse trade mission participants are staying for the annual Passport to Nebraska Weekend, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Patty Wood, DED, 402-471-1559