By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH

Indiana Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — An agriculture-focused partnership announced between Indianapolis and Harbin, China, could have a positive impact on Hoosier farmers, according to the president of World Trade Center (WTC) Indianapolis.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by officials with WTC Indianapolis and WTC Harbin on Jan. 11. This is a first step that could eventually lead to trade agreements and other ventures between the WTCs, said Doris Anne Sadler, WTC Indianapolis president.

She plans to travel to Harbin in March to lay the groundwork for future visits by Hoosiers to the area. “This is a two-way street,” Sadler explained. “We can sell agricultural technology to them. We can also sell products to them. We have to figure out what they need and what we need.”

There are opportunities for sales of beef to China, and leaders there are also interested in powdered milk, she said. Harbin officials would like to talk with Purdue University about agricultural technology. China is putting quite a bit of money into infrastructure such as water management and soil conservation systems, she added.

Sadler expects it to take a few months for specific trade agreements to be announced.

WTC Indianapolis, formed in April 2017, is a part of the WTC Assoc.’s network of more than 320 cities in 100 countries. The organization’s website said it strives to offer a variety of trade services to help Indiana businesses grow through successful international trade. WTC Indianapolis represents the entire state.

“Indiana is a wonderful place to be in international trade right now,” Sadler noted. “We are a leader in agriculture. Indiana is an easy sell when we start talking about our business climate, the specialization at our universities. It’s an exciting time to represent the state.”

With a population of about 10 million, Harbin is China’s eighth-largest city. It’s the capital of Heilongjiang, the country’s northernmost province.

“Indiana’s successful agricultural sector and technological innovation initially prompted WTC Harbin to visit and organize a functioning partnership between our cities,” said Steven Lo, WTC Harbin executive director.

“Indiana universities, corporations and governmental officials have demonstrated an eagerness to work with their counterparts in Harbin. I believe such a relationship will benefit our respective cities, regions and nations, building a strong economic future for all.”

Hoosier officials look forward to future trade opportunities between the two regions, said Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “Indiana has natural and human resources that stand out in the global marketplace,” she explained.

“Governor (Eric) Holcomb and this administration continue to meet with business leaders from around the world who marvel at the ingenuity and productivity of Indiana’s farmers, engineers and scientists. It does not surprise me that our honored guests from WTC Harbin see Hoosiers as ideal trading partners.”

The memorandum signed with WTC Harbin is the first for the Hoosier organization. “Today’s agreement marks a significant step in the work of World Trade Center Indianapolis, serving all of Indiana,” said Greg Zoeller, WTC Indianapolis chair.

“WTC Harbin and Indianapolis share common goals with respect to agriculture and commerce, and a mutually beneficial relationship between Hoosier businesses and foreign investors, suppliers and customers will only strengthen our statewide economy.”