CUNA Mutual Group hosted a luncheon for leaders of Wisconsin government and business as part of a Chinese trade mission aimed at raising the visibility of Wisconsin businesses and their products.
As reported in The Credit Union Journal Jan. 26, CUNA Mutual has laid the groundwork for expanding its presence in China, offering lending protection products to the Chinese credit cooperatives' rapidly developing consumer lending business. The company said it will begin providing its products to credit cooperatives in China's more populous regions, including the cities of Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
"CUNA Mutual views this gathering of Wisconsin's government and business leaders as an opportunity to share our experiences in expanding business to China," said Ralph Swoboda, senior vice president, CUNA Mutual's International operations. "We hope our knowledge and connections will help create bridges for the governor and Wisconsin companies considering doing business in the world's second-largest economy."
The luncheon at the State Guest House was attended by Li Wei, deputy chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), and by other senior officials from that agency, which regulates banks and credit cooperatives in China.
Among state government officials attending the luncheon were Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle; Commerce Secretary Cory Nettles; Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen; Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman and state Sen. Bob Jauch (D-Poplar). Also representing CUNA Mutual were Jim Greaney, manager of the company's China operations and David Kuo, company representative in China.
More than 40 Wisconsin businesses are represented on the trade mission.
"CUNA Mutual views its expansion into China as a significant opportunity to build on our financial strength while at the same time helping credit cooperatives develop their customer lending business," Swoboda said. "The trade mission presents an excellent opportunity for Wisconsin businesses to learn more about the opportunities for expanding the state's goods and services into China's thriving economy."
