Contact: Kelly Lietz, 608.210.6858
kelly.lietz@wedc.org
North American neighbor countries are Wisconsin’s top two export markets, providing plentiful opportunities for market expansion
MADISON, WI, Nov. 16, 2015 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) invites companies to participate in upcoming global trade ventures to Mexico and Canada.
Wisconsin’s two biggest export markets, Canada and Mexico together account for nearly 50 percent of the state’s exports. These two markets are natural first steps for companies that are new to exporting, given their geographic proximity to the U.S., cultural ties and the existence of the North American Free Trade Agreement. In addition, the global trade ventures are designed to help companies that are already exporting further grow their sales in Mexico and Canada.
“Growth-minded companies need to be looking outside the U.S. and targeting international, as well as domestic, customers,” said Katy Sinnott, WEDC vice president of international business development. “Through these global trade ventures and the assistance of WEDC’s global network, we take the mystery out of exporting and help provide a clear path for Wisconsin companies to grow their sales in international markets.”
Wisconsin’s global network of authorized trade representatives provides coverage in 79 countries around the world, including Canada and Mexico. In each of these countries, trade representatives are available to help Wisconsin companies find local partners that are trustworthy and well-positioned to help a given product or service achieve success in the market.
The global trade venture to Mexico will take place Feb. 21-26, 2016, visiting Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico’s two largest cities. The global trade venture to Canada will take place March 13-18, 2016, visiting Toronto, Ontario—Canada’s largest city and provincial economy—and Winnipeg, Manitoba—the capital of a province whose economic strengths are closely aligned with Wisconsin’s, and whose economy is growing rapidly.
For both global trade ventures, each participant will receive a country-specific market assessment with details on the broader economy, specific industry characteristics, competitors, regulatory considerations and other critical information needed to prepare a strategy for market entry or expansion. In each city, participants will be scheduled for one-on-one meetings with potential partners in the market. These partners are hand-picked for each participating company. With all appointments arranged for them, participants can focus on business rather than logistics and scheduling.
WEDC recognizes the importance of exports for the growth of Wisconsin companies and the state’s economy as a whole. Therefore, both global trade ventures are offered at a subsidized rate for an attendee from each participating company—$1,300 per person for Mexico and $1,500 per person for Canada. This rate applies to Wisconsin exporters of a good or service. State agencies, industry associations and service providers that are not direct exporters are welcome to attend but must pay the full, unsubsidized venture cost of $7,300 (Mexico) or $7,000 (Canada). The venture fee includes a market assessment and customized meeting schedule, hotel accommodations, some group meals, and in-country transportation; participants are responsible for cost of their international airfare and most meals.
Given the size and importance of these two markets to U.S. exporters, these global trade ventures will be beneficial for companies across all sectors. However, more information about the specific strengths of the Mexican and Canadian markets, as well as the specific cities visited, is available at InWisconsin.com/export/goglobal. This page also contains registration links for both trade ventures.
