Mission aimed at expanding trade opportunities
(DES MOINES) - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will depart on a trade mission to Argentina and Uruguay this weekend. The trip is aimed at expanding trade opportunities for Iowa businesses and is being coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
“Trade missions like this one in South America allow Iowa companies to expand their export markets outside of the U.S. and ultimately create more jobs here at home,” said Lt. Gov. Reynolds. “Iowa has a great reputation globally for quality people, products and services. I’m looking forward to leading this trade mission beginning this weekend to expand additional trade opportunities.”
Argentina is a very attractive market for U.S. exporters. With imports all but frozen over the past four years, there is now a wide variety of market segments that need to import supplies, capital goods and services in order to manufacture locally, as well as companies that seek to import sophisticated technology and equipment that is not currently available in the market. As Argentina addresses its current economic challenges, opportunities will increase and the possibilities available to U.S. exporters extend to both the public and private sectors. This is an excellent time to begin exploring the market and establishing relationships. Participants on this trade mission will be primarily visiting the Buenos Aires and Rosario areas.
Uruguay is a market-oriented economy with an open trade policy which has been experiencing steady economic growth. A combination of favorable exchange rates, higher wages, historically low unemployment, and consumer confidence in the economy has been increasing demand for imported products. After 12 years of unprecedented high growth, the economy has gradually decelerated, but growth of about 3.0 percent is still projected for 2016. Participants on this trade mission will primarily be visiting the Montevideo area.
The Lt. Governor will be meeting with US Embassies, Ministries, Chambers, Universities, Associations and Iowa company operations in Buenos Aires and Rosario, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay.
Participating companies and organizations include:
ACT, Inc
Cozen O’Connor
Fredriksen & Byron
Holbrook Development
MetalTech Industries
Tri-States Grain Conditioning
The IEDA’s International Trade Office not only markets Iowa products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa, but also explores opportunities internationally for investment within the state.
Taxpayer dollars will not be spent on the lt. governor’s travel. Their travel will be paid by private donations to the Iowa Economic Development Authority Foundation.
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