International Business Wales to host country's largest international trade mission to US

In its largest international trade mission to date, International Business Wales (IBW) will encourage stronger U.S. – Welsh business relations during a week-long IBW mission to Washington, D.C., New York and California.

Over 80 Welsh companies from the technology, aerospace, defense, life sciences, security and engineering industries will visit the U.S. to foster international corporate partnerships and promote international trade.

As part of this Mission (June 20-27), the multi-sector delegation will attend a series of specialist programs and networking events to identify future partners, joint venture opportunities and strategic alliances. Programs include meeting high-profile executives and engineers at Boeing, NASA and Lockheed Martin as well as corporate members of the Baltimore World Trade Center.

“The United States is Wales’ largest export market. That’s why IBW worked tirelessly to develop a high quality program that would position Welsh executives in front of key decision makers at prime targets for their respective industries,” said Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport.

“The strong response that we have received from both countries illustrates that our innovative leaders are looking toward the future and proactively planning for the upturn in the global economy.”

Attendees will attend a variety of business development opportunities throughout the week. These events include but are not limited to:

• Boeing Outreach Program (June 22) – Boeing’s senior staff and supply chain managers will describe how to become a Boeing supplier; how to sell to Boeing subcontractors; and how to benefit from Boeing’s Industrial Participation.

• NASA Langley Visit (June 23) – Former NASA astronaut and IBW partner Scott Horowitz will introduce Welsh aerospace engineers to NASA staff through a series of special programs about Langley’s partnerships, upcoming procurements and current research and development opportunities. Visitors will explore NASA’s wind tunnels, structural test facilities, and exploration hardware.

• Creativity & Entrepreneurship Event (June 23) – The University of Wales, Newport will host U.S. and Welsh businesses in a day-long conference to discuss current and future business models and how to develop the next generation of business leaders.

• Taste of Wales (June 24) – An evening networking event for U.S. and Welsh CEOs to mix and mingle at the Baltimore World Trade Center.

• British Embassy Reception (June 25) – First Minister for Wales, Rt. Hon Rhodri Morgan AM to host senior government officials, U.S. company executives and Mission attendees.

"This trade mission will help strengthen the existing connections between the U.S. and Wales.  In recent years, American giants including IBM, Amazon.com, Ford and General Dynamics -- plus growing companies like G24i and eMag Solutions -- have invested in Wales. 

"Similarly, Welsh companies including Admiral and Penn Pharmaceuticals have announced new operations in the U.S.," said Geraint Jones, CEO, Americas, of International Business Wales.

"Wales is an excellent gateway to Europe, as we are only two hours from London, and we offer lower overall business costs than the rest of Britain. Our 16 universities and colleges produce thousands of qualified graduates each year in technology, science and business."

The attending 80 companies aim to find new trading partners, distributors, collaborators and business associates for a huge array of goods and services stretching across almost every sector. Delegation attendees include Biotec Services International, Cave Systems, Cintec International Ltd., ESI Technology Ltd., Laminating Technology, Micro Materials, Norton Security Systems, Penn Pharmaceuticals, Seatag Safety Systems, Sureview Systems International, and more.

(For a complete list of attendees, go to www.ibwtradeamericas.co.uk)

IBW’s Mission to D.C. coincides with Wales’ participation in the 43rd Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, being held on the National Mall June 24 - July 5. In addition to promoting its culture and traditions, Wales will showcase the strength of its business community by highlighting the country’s groundbreaking sustainability initiatives through a series of exhibitions, conferences and demonstrations. For more information on the Festival, please go to www.wales.com/smithsonian.

-ends-

22 June 2009