Frankfort, KY (June 3, 2013) Nearly two dozen Kentucky companies and several trade partners will join Gov Steve Beshear on an international business trade mission this week to Canada. With stops in Montreal and Toronto, this first Kentucky Export Initiative (KEI) trade mission seeks to increase commerce between Kentucky and Canada.
The delegation includes Kentucky Association of Manufacturing President & CEO Greg Higdon and more than 50 individuals representing more than 20 companies and 11 organizations from across the commonwealth. The trade mission from June 3 through June 7 will feature a reception to celebrate and help build business relationships between Kentucky and Canadian companies on Wednesday, June 5.
“Exporting is vital to our economic strength, and it’s crucial that we continue to enhance those ties and create long-lasting and prosperous business relationships,” said Gov. Beshear. “This trip is an opportunity to showcase that Kentucky is open for business and offers a wide variety of excellent products and services.”
Kentucky’s business ties to Canada play a major factor in the state’s economy, with an estimated $11 billion in bilateral trade between Canada and Kentucky. Canada is Kentucky’s number one trade destination, with $7.3 billion in Kentucky products and services exported to Canada in 2012. Overall, Kentucky’s exports to 199 nations in 2012 totaled $22 billion, setting an all-time record.
“As Kentucky’s largest and closest export destination, the Canadian market offers some of the best opportunities for both first-time and experienced exporters,” said KAM’s Higdon. “I’m excited to take part in this trade mission to Canada because of the meetings that will take place between Kentucky manufacturers and their Canadian counterparts, and the opportunities for partnerships these meetings may generate.”
Beshear created KEI to bring together agencies and organizations to help facilitate international trade opportunities for Kentucky businesses. In addition to KAM, the KEI partnership includes the Cabinet for Economic Development, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, World Trade Center Kentucky and Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED).
“The Kentucky Export Initiative trade and business mission to Canada is a special opportunity for Kentucky businesses,” said Ed Webb, president/CEO of World Trade Center Kentucky.“Through prearranged sessions, KEI mission participants will meet one-on-one with Canadian businesses to promote and sell their products and services.These new partnerships will be a win-win for our attendees and for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Established in 1911, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is Kentucky’s most effective advocate for manufacturers. KAM’s mission is to protect and create a manufacturing-friendly environment in Kentucky. In addition to advocating, KAM connects, educates and provides cost-saving programs and products to members. For more information, go to: www.KAM.us.com
Add Comment