International Buying Delegations

The International Business Division in cooperation with its trade offices abroad, brings international buying delegations to Idaho each year. The buyers are pre-qualified to ensure that we are bringing in reputable, capable, and ready-to-buy prospects. Generally a certain industry will be targeted, (i.e. mining, green energy, etc.) and Idaho companies involved in aspects of that industry will have the opportunity to meet with these buyers one-on-one. The meetings take place either at a company’s office or plant, or at the Idaho Department of Commerce.

A variety of meeting types and venues may be appropriate:
• Plant tour
• Meeting with presentation and samples
• An event or venue featuring your product or service
• Breakfast, lunch, or dinner meetings
• Something unique that would best showcase your products or services

Benefits of Meeting with Buying Delegations
• One-on-one time with prequalified international buyers
• Begin building relationships in new markets without the expense of international travel
• Enables you to showcase your products and services in the best possible light
• Get opinions on the viability of your product or service in foreign markets directly from buyers.

To view upcoming delegation visits, please see the events calendar or contact us for details.

Previous Visits

•  Mexican Lumber Investment Delegation Visit September, 2010

September 2nd marked the conclusion of a three-day whirlwind tour of Idaho for a delegation of Mexican investors interested in investing in Idaho and Idaho companies through the EB-5 Immigrant Investment Program. This delegation's visit was the culmination of the successful efforts of the Department of Commerce's International Trade and Commercial Innovation Divisions, along with the Idaho-Mexico Trade Office, to pre-qualify and recruit Mexican investors to participate in program.

The group met with 16 Idaho companies with investment opportunities located throughout the state. Early results of the mission have been immediate and positive. One Mexican investor elected to immediately relocate his furniture manufacturing business to Nampa which will generate at least 10 new jobs. All of the investors promised investments to Idaho companies. Each investment is required to create at least 10 new jobs which will contribute to the Project 60 mission of strengthening Idaho's economy.


Mexican Mining Delegation Visit 25 - 27 September, 2008

Mexican mining company representatives from Grupo México, Grupo Jomargo and Reyna Mining returned to Idaho with Aaron Davis, trade specialist, after MINExpo 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, to participate in site visits to Idaho companies and to engage in other networking activities. This was an excellent opportunity for Idaho’s mining-related equipment manufacturers and service providers to build relationships with the representatives of some of Mexico’s largest mines and mining companies. Thursday’s (25 September) activities were centered around the Boise area, and Friday (26 September) the group traveled to northern Idaho to engage with companies located in the Coeur d’ Alene area. The Mexican mining delegation was a direct result of Governor Otter’s April 2008 trade mission to Mexico where several of Idaho’s mining-related equipment manufacturers and service providers met with some of Mexico’s most powerful and influential mines. Highlights of the delegation's visit include:

• Attended six presentations of Idaho's mining - related companies
• Networking dinner with representatives from seven Idaho companies
• Delegation met briefly with Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter
• Site visits to two Idaho mining-related equipment manufacturers and service providers in Boise and three in Coeur d’Alene

• Heilongjiang Delegation Visit - 15 - 17 September, 2008

The Heilongjiang Delegation visit was a result of the 2007 Governor’s trade mission to China. A conservative estimate of expected sales as a result of the trade mission was $1.5 million. This recent follow-up visit by the Heilongjiang delegation is anticipated to increase the estimated sales figure. During their stay in Idaho the delegation's focus was on furthering relationships with the State of Idaho and Idaho companies while learning more about Idaho agriculture – particularly best practices, technology and equipment. Some of the events included:

• Chairman Wang of the Heilongjiang Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director Donald Dietrich of the Idaho Department of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate closer economic relations
• Attended presentations presented by the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Division of Tourism and International Business within the Idaho Department of Commerce
• Site visits to agricultural equipment companies in Caldwell and Burley, Idaho

• Idaho Israel Business Summit - 1 April – 3 April, 2008

Israel is an important trade partner to Idaho and has been one of Idaho’s Top 20 export markets for over a decade with more than $19 million worth of goods exported to Israel in 2007. The summit was a result of trade history and two key visits by Israeli Consulate representatives in 2006: the Israeli Consul General David Akov in San Francisco and Sherwin Pomerantz, president of EDI, an Israeli consultancy focusing on Israeli trade. A delegation of Israeli investors, business officials and government officials traveled to Idaho as part of the Summit. The common goal and focus of the summit was to create an ongoing and prosperous relationship between Idaho and Israel. Key aspects of the Summit include:

• Green technology was the focus of the seminar, with an emphasis on agriculture, nutrition/life sciences, water conservation, irrigation, energy and environmental cleanup/monitoring
• Teleconference meeting with several Israeli companies
• Presentations were presented by Israeli green technology companies
• Featured speakers Mr. Shai Aizen, Economic Consul of Israel, and Mr. Sherwin Pomerantz gave the attendees an overview of Israel including commercial business and Israeli market opportunities
• Companies made and attended appointments to speak with Mr. Sherwin Pomerantz

• The Korea-U.S. Economic Council held the 5th Annual Korea-Pacific States Joint Conference in Boise, Idaho 15 – 16 October 2007

The conference offered three industry tracks that included seminars, site visits and business networking opportunities.

• Alternative and Renewable Energy
• Innovations in Biotechnology
• Advances in Agricultural Technology

BanBury golf Outing offered opportunities for Korean & US Company Representatives to relax.

Former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell attended Banquet dinner at Governor And First Lady Otter’s Ranch.

Participants enjoyed meeting US And Korean dignitaries, time to Network with other companies, and Stimulating workshops and site visits.