EcoPartnerships are voluntary arrangements that stem from the U.S. - China Ten Year Energy and Environment Cooperation Framework established at the fourth meeting of the U.S. - China Strategic Economic Dialogue. The framework was developed to address the challenges of environmental sustainability and climate change with one objective being the initiation of EcoPartnerships between like-minded organizations in U.S. and China.

EcoPartnerships are intended to serve as a conduit at the sub-national level for the exchange of best practices regarding environmental sustainability issues. To date, seven EcoPartnerships have been formed, with a goal to advance the energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability of both partners.

In December of 2008, the City of Wichita, Kansas and Wuxi, China entered into an EcoPartnership agreement.

Beijing, China- EcoPartnership Signing Ceremony

The Wichita-Wuxi EcoPartnership specifically focuses on the exchange of best practices regarding clean air and water on a municipal and industrial levels, and is managed by Kansas Global.

Both cities have committed to expanding the current EcoPartnership model to enhance information and business exchange to further foster economic development and sustainable growth in new and existing industries such as agriculture, aviation, and energy.

For more information on the background of the Wichita-Wuxi EcoPartnership, download our Fact Sheet.

In September of 2010, the first US EcoPartnership Summit took place in Wichita, KS. Representatives from all the US EcoPartnerships, the State Department, US Department of Energy and the City of Wichita attended the summit. Attendees learned from the federal agencies and each other which further reinforced the commitment of this program.

Wuxi - Wichita Eco-Partnership Task Force Working Conference

In October of 2010, a delegation from the City of Wichita led by co-chairs Mayor Carl Brewer and Kansas Senator Carolyn McGinn visited Wuxi. The inaugural trip to Wuxi focused on strengthening the relationship with Wuxi identifying opportunities for Wichita/Kansas companies and citizens. The trip to Wuxi was considered a success as the established objectives were met.