Trade missions are a critical tool for marketing the state. As much as technology has changed the way business is conducted, many cultures still require that face-to-face interaction that comes through marathon business meetings.
The Department of Commerce works closely with the Governor’s office, other agencies, state representatives and economic development organizations to organize and coordinate these delegations to other countries. In some cases, these trade missions are held in concert with international trade shows. Other times, they are to specific countries where Washington has a trade or economic relationship, such as India, China, Korea, Japan or Mexico.
Participating in a trade mission
Led by officials from several state agencies, including the Department of Commerce and occasionally, the Governor or his staff, trade missions allow businesses to establish key relationships and engage in business-to-business and business-to-government meetings that can greatly reduce the sales cycle.
Past trade missions span countries across the globe, including Austrailia, China, Finland, France, India, Japan, Norway, the United Arab Emerites and the United Kingdom, generating sales and enduring relationships for state businesses.
If you are interested in learning more about upcoming trade missions and how you can become part of an upcoming delegation, contact the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness at (206) 256-6100 or speak directly with an export assistance expert that specializes in your business sector.
Benefits of trade missions
- Gain access to government representatives who would be difficult to access without an official government-level mission.
- Find new partners for your products or services.
- Forge lasting relationships with new suppliers or vendors.
- Open new markets or discover new opportunities that aren’t yet mainstream knowledge.
- Participate in international trade shows at a fraction of the cost as a trade mission delegate.
- Take informative tours of facilities and production sites. Meet key business decision makers.
- Network with other Washington businesses as well as representatives from state agencies, and at select events, the Governor.
Australia
A delegation of more than 50 representatives from the state Department of Commerce, Port of Seattle, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and business representatives from the tech, maritime and defense sectors spent 10 days in Australia to strengthen economic partnerships. From the perspectives of climate action, traditional trade and tourism, critical industries, and economic trade and tourism, Australia represents tremendous untapped potential for Washington State as well as an opportunity to raise our state’s profile in the region.
Nordic countries, including Norway, Finland and Sweden
The Governor led a delegation of over 40 delegates representing business, education, and government to focus on business partnerships and innovative approaches to energy, technology, sustainability and resilience to climate change in the region. Washington State’s deep cultural and business ties to Scandinavia stretch back to the late 19th Century when immigrants worked in an array of industries. Today, these bonds include economic development partnerships with some of Washington’s largest employers and industries, as well as agreements that promote research and technological innovations both here and in Scandinavia.
Vietnam
A delegation of more than 45 business, government, port, industry and education leaders from 10 Washington counties joined a five-day trade mission to Vietnam. Delegates held bilateral meetings, visited manufacturing facilities and innovation centers, and met with cultural, higher education and business leaders. The goal included strengthening partnerships and business opportunities in advanced technology sectors such as agriculture, clean energy and artificial intelligence.