MDA leading trade missions to Canada, China

JACKSON — The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is inviting state business leaders interested in pursuing trade opportunities in the Canadian market or seeking representation, partners or distributorships in Canada to participate in a multi-sector business-to-business matchmaking mission to Toronto and Montreal Sept. 10-14.

In a separate item, MDA is also leading a trade mission to China Sept. 26-28.

The Canadian mission will connect Mississippi businesses with qualified Canadian businesses through pre-arranged, one-on-one meetings.

Qualified participating businesses are offered financial incentives through the U.S. Small Business Administration-funded Mississippi State Trade Export Promotion (STEP) grant program to help offset certain costs related to the trip. The STEP program reimburses eligible participating businesses for up to 50 percent of their travel costs, including lodging and airfare, and provides translation services at no cost.

Additional services, available to all participating businesses, include scheduled appointments with prequalified prospective buyers and government officials, local transportation assistance and a customized itinerary. In addition, MDA provides participating companies with market research to assess their export potential in the Canadian market and to identify export opportunities.

Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The deadline to register is Aug. 3.

For more information or to obtain a registration form, please contact Vickie Watters at (601) 359-2070 or e-mail vwatters@mississippi.org.

The MDA is also inviting state business representatives to participate in Inter Airport China, China’s airport industry exhibition, to be held Sept. 26-28 in Beijing. The event will connect Mississippi businesses whose products and services are used in airport, airport renovations and airport construction with business opportunities in China.

During the exhibition, participating Mississippi businesses will meet one-on-one with qualified buyers regarding their products and services. STEP assistance is available.

Space is limited to four Mississippi businesses and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to register is Aug. 16. For more information or to obtain a registration form, please contact Regina Todd at (601) 359-5756 or e-mail rtodd@mississippi.org.