Governor “Butch” Otter and officials from the Idaho State Departments of Agriculture and Commerce will be heading up an Idaho trade mission delegation to Canada next week.
Representatives from a wide range of Idaho industry sectors -- including aerospace, renewable and nuclear energy, robotics, animal supplements, agriculture, safety and security, and forestry equipment -- will be along on the trade mission.
They will be in Canada October 1-4.
“Canada is the largest export market for Idaho, with exports totaling $845.47 million. Toronto is the capital of the Province of Ontario and an international economic and financial powerhouse,” said Commerce Department spokesman Matt Borud.
Ontario accounts for more than 38 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product, officials said.
“Canada is our state's largest trading partner, and it is essential for Idaho to continue strengthening these relationships,” said Idaho Department of Commerce Director Bobbi-Jo Meuleman. “There is an abundance of mutually-beneficial market prospects in Canada, and we are excited for our Idaho businesses and partners participating in the mission to connect with these opportunities.”
Trade missions provide Idaho companies with opportunities to pursue potential business partnerships, make new contacts, and develop trade opportunities in foreign markets.
Of the eleven organizations participating, eight are joining a trade mission for the first-time. “Trade is very important to Idaho, particularly for our agricultural industry, because we export more than twnety percent of what is grown in this state,” said Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould. “State trade missions remain effective tools in expanding Idaho’s exports by affording businesses of all sizes a chance to establish contacts or strengthen relationships.”
Trade mission meetings will take place in the Greater Toronto Area. The destinations for Idaho trade missions are selected based on feedback from Idaho companies detailing in which markets they seek to expand as well as build upon existing trade relationships.
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 in foreign markets and creates sales leads more quickly,” Borud pointed out.
Companies participating in the trade mission are:
-Aviation Specialties Unlimited
-Gem Chain Bar
-Idaho E-Oregon Onion Committee
-Inergy Solar
-Idaho National Laboratory
-PKG, Inc.
-Premier Technology
-Ventry Solutions
-VersaBuilt Robotics
-Wild Gold Supplements
-Wildwood Grilling
