The 30 member trade delegation, from the state of Wisconsin, was led by the governor, Tommy G Thompson. The mission comprises companies from tourism, environmental engineering, farm and dairy equipment, market research companies and computer and internet services among others.

Market Probe Inc, a $ 11 million market research firm, said it had identified 16 companies in India as likely partners for setting up operations in India. The firm, which has branches in Canada and Europe, would primarily service its MNC clients in India. Nalin K Chaudhary, senior marketing director, said company would start operations from Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad and later set up satellite office in other towns. "We may partner with more than one company here," he said.

John MNoel, president of the $ 150 million Noel group, said GIC had renewed group firm Mercury's contract for medical emergency assistance. "Our firm has been with GIC for the last ten years," he said. The company would be exploring opportunities to provide similar services for private insurance companies, he added.

The state of Wisconsin exported over $ 58 million worth of products to India last year. Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, and processed food products, dominated exports.