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Idaho Businesses Invited to Participate in Governor’s Trade Mission to Asia
12/21/2012
April 2013 Mission Includes Stops in Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam
BOISE,
Idaho—Friday, December 21, 2012 — The
Idaho Department of Commerce and Idaho State Department of Agriculture are pleased
to invite Idaho businesses to participate in Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s 2013
trade mission to Asia. Dates for this year’s
mission are April 19-27, 2013.
The trade
delegation will visit three key cities that present strong export opportunities
for Idaho companies – Seoul, Korea; Taipei, Taiwan; and Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam. Locations were selected based upon a survey of
Idaho companies on their top export destinations.
“Selling
Idaho goods and services to other countries is an important part of our
strategy for meeting the goals of Project 60,” Governor Otter said. “Based
on my years of experience in the private sector, I know firsthand that
face-to-face interaction with potential customers is one of the best strategies
for creating and expanding international business opportunities. I look forward to leading this trade mission
to Asia, and encourage any Idaho company interested in growing their business
to participate.”
Taiwan is
ranked as Idaho’s third-largest trade partner.
This past fall, the United States granted Taiwan visa-waiver status
which will further enhance the already thriving trade relationship between
Idaho and Taiwan. With a visa no longer
necessary for travel between the United States and Taiwan, expanded tourism and
foreign direct investment opportunities will also be a focus of the mission.
Korea is a
top-five export destination for Idaho companies. The recent implementation of the Korea-United
States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) will open new opportunities for Idaho
companies interested in this robust Asian market.
Vietnam is
an emerging market for Idaho companies, but holds strong potential for a
variety of Idaho’s key export sectors. This will be Governor Otter’s second
visit to Vietnam since 2008, and his return visit will strengthen Idaho’s
relationship with key government officials and allow Idaho companies to open
new doors in this rapidly growing economy.
Idaho
trade missions open doors to international markets for Idaho businesses, while
allowing them to gain high-level access to both private sector businesses and
key government decision makers. Trade
missions also help participants recognize their key existing customers through
the presentation of the Idaho Value Partner Award. Idaho companies looking to expand sales,
build distribution networks or strategic alliances, and strengthen existing customer
relationships are encouraged to participate
Participating
companies will receive pre-qualified appointments, market briefings in each
country, turnkey logistical arrangements for the trip, and business networking
receptions in Seoul and Taipei.
Space for
joining the Governor on this trade mission is limited and granted on a
first-come, first-served basis. The
registration deadline is Friday, February 1, 2013.
Detailed
information about trade mission logistics, registration materials and participation
fees is available at: http://www.commerce.idaho.gov/events/event.aspx?e=1416
News tag(s): Business International Travel "Trade Mission" "Governor Otter" Asia