Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson said the university may seek a local partner for offering its services in the country. The centre is likely to provide admission to about 500 students in the first year.

He was speaking at the trade meet organised by the Greater Mysore Chamber of Commerce (GMCI) in association with the US Commercial Services of Bangalore.Addressing the press on behalf of the Wisconsin Mission from USA, Thompson said companies in Wisconsin could offer technologies for pollution control and water management.

A number of leading companies in the state are exploring the possibilities to enter into the Indian market, he added."At the same time, we can offer top quality cheese items to India," hesaid."Wisconsin, the number one state in USA, has exported nearly $11.2 billion worth of products to 199 countries in 1997. The state is a major producer of machine tools and metal working machinery, food processing and packaging machinery, small engines, pumps, construction equipment, measuring and controlling devices and automotive parts," he said.

India bought more than $58 million worth of products from Winconsin last year. Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, and processed food products dominate shipments to India. In 1997, India bought food products worth $25 million and industrial machinery for $13 million.

However, in the first nine months of 1998, machinery shipments were $16 million and food imports were $5 million.

Other important categories of items to India include instruments, electronic and electrical equipment, chemicals, fabricated metal products and paper, he said.