Mississippi Businesses Invited To Join Business Development Mission To South America
Jackson, Mississippi – The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will lead a delegation of state business leaders on a business development mission to Chile, Ecuador and Peru from June 16-25, 2010. The trip is designed to connect Mississippi businesses looking to expand trade and create business relationships with opportunities in the three markets. During the mission, participants will be able to meet one-on-one with qualified agents and distributors regarding their products and services.
“Chile, Ecuador and Peru are markets that are rapidly expanding for Mississippi’s businesses,” said MDA Executive Director Gray Swoope. “Over the past few years, the United States and Mississippi have experienced significant increases in exports to these markets. With free trade agreements in place between the U.S. and Chile and Peru, there really is no better time for the state’s businesses to expand into this region of South America.”
In recent years, and prior to the recent earthquake in Chile, Mississippi exports to Chile have steadily increased. Rebuilding efforts following the earthquake will focus on hospitals, housing and schools, increasing the demand for building materials, including steel, wood and prefabricated housing.
By participating in the business development mission, businesses can take advantage of administrative support from MDA before, during and after the event. MDA will provide participating companies with:
- Scheduled appointments with buyers, distributors, agents and brokers
- A detailed mission guide and customized itineraries
- Logistical coordination, including local transportation assistance
- Language interpretation services
“MDA has solid contacts in the region, so we can pre-qualify buyers, distributors and other
business representatives that will meet with our group,” said Swoope. “Also, we have coordinated market briefings to help our delegation understand and benefit from the wide range of business opportunities in the region.”
Space is limited and businesses are encouraged to sign up early. The participation fee is $400 per business per country, and the registration deadline is April 19, 2010. Participants are responsible for travel and personal expenses.
For more information, contact Rose Boxx, MDA’s Latin American trade specialist, at 601.359.3045 or rboxx@mississippi.org. Interested parties can also visit MDA’s Web site at www.mississippi.org to learn more about the agency’s international marketing services and events or to request a consultation with an international trade specialist.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi’s lead economic and community development agency. Nearly 300 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA’s website at www.mississippi.org.
Mississippi Development Authority, 501 N. West Street, Jackson, MS 39201 United States
Contact: Tammy Craft, Public Relations 601.359.3449
