The Mississippi Development Authority will lead a multi-sector business development mission to Chile from August 26-30. Mississippi companies interested in expanding or initiating trade in the Chilean market are invited to participate. The trip also will give participants the opportunity to attend or exhibit at Expo Hospital, one of South America’s largest medical trade shows and conferences.
“The upcoming business development mission to Chile will give the Mississippi delegation an abundance of opportunities to initiate new business partnerships by connecting with qualified buyers,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “Chile is an extremely competitive country, so there is no better time than now for Mississippi companies to expand trade into this strategic market.”
Chile is one of the U.S.’s strongest South American trade partners due to its open-market policies, zero tariffs, stable and open government and solid business practices. In 2018, Mississippi businesses exported more than $150 million in products to Chile, a 10.2 percent increase from 2017. In the near future, public and private investments are set to modernize Chile’s health systems countrywide.
Grant assistance is available to eligible businesses to defray costs associated with participating in the trip. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Mississippi State Trade Expansion Program reimburses eligible businesses up to 50 percent of travel costs, including airfare, lodging and per diem. Additional services include scheduled appointments with qualified buyers covered at 75 percent and free pre-mission market research and business potential assessment.
Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early registration is recommended. The deadline to register is July 15. For more information or to obtain a registration form, please contact MDA’s Latin American Trade Manager Jonathon Giuffria at (601) 608-8335 or jgiuffria@mississippi.org. Interested parties also can go to mississippi.org to learn more about the agency’s international marketing services and events or to request a consultation with an international trade specialist.
