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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Megan Hill October 30, 2017 Idaho Commerce |
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Twenty-One Idaho Organizations to Participate in Trade Mission to Asia |
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Agriculture, food processing and technology organizations to visit Taiwan and Vietnam |
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(BOISE) – Coordinated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Department of Commerce, an Idaho trade mission will travel to Taiwan and Vietnam from November 10 – 18, 2017. Participating organizations represent a breadth of industry sectors in Idaho including potatoes, wheat, beef, cheese, hay, livestock genetics, live cattle, specialty grains, defense equipment, fire safety equipment, erosion control and insulation building materials, aerospace solutions, medical equipment, and communications equipment.
Trade missions provide Idaho companies with an unparalleled opportunity to pursue potential business partnerships, make contacts, and develop exporting opportunities in foreign markets. Of the organizations, half are first-time participants on a state trade mission. This year’s mission will be led by Scott Bedke, Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives.
“I am honored to have the privilege of leading this mission of Idaho companies to Asia,” said Bedke. “It is important for our state officials to support Idaho companies and play an active role in opening doors, removing barriers, and finding opportunities to further existing business growth. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Taiwan is the third largest overall export destination for Idaho, and exports in 2016 were up 20% over 2015. Vietnam has strong GDP growth, and Idaho exports there grew 55% between 2015 and 2016.
“Exports are critical to Idaho’s agriculture economy,” said Celia Gould, director of Idaho State Department of Agriculture. “These trade missions are very effective tools in expanding exports by strengthening customer relationships, growing business and establishing new buyer contacts.”
Meetings will take place in Taipei, Taiwan; Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam; and Hanoi, Vietnam. The destinations for Idaho trade missions are selected based on feedback from companies about what markets they seek to expand in, as well as current trade relationships with Idaho companies.
“Taiwan has been a long-standing partner with Idaho and we are thrilled to not only have the opportunity to build upon the relationships with our Taiwanese business and government contacts, but also generate new opportunities in Vietnam. The United States is now Vietnam’s largest export market and, conversely, Vietnam recently became the United States’ fastest growing export market. There could not be a more opportune time for Idaho companies to develop strengthened, meaningful trade relations in both Taiwan and Vietnam,” said Megan Ronk, director of Idaho Commerce.
Significant planning is required to send a trade mission abroad, as the efforts are extremely targeted with clear goals to increase exports for Idaho companies and promote Idaho businesses on a global scale. Each company has personalized itineraries to pursue potential business contacts, honor current business partners, as well as to enhance familiarity with the target country’s market, business practices, and culture. Having high-ranking government officials from Idaho lead the mission provides critical access to decision-makers overseas and creates sales leads more quickly. Other benefits to the companies attending the trade mission include potential for finding distribution, representation, investors, or logistical help in new global markets.
An array of Idaho companies will participate in the November trade mission to Asia:
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About Idaho: International Brochure |