This export sales mission features the U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key Program, which offers personalized one-on-one appointments with potential customers in Santiago. Interested companies will receive an initial market evaluation prior to acceptance into the program. There is a delegate package available for interested parties as well.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our local small businesses to sit down face-to-face with Chilean businesses that have a genuine interest in purchasing their products and services,” said Mike Meidel, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development. “All appointments are pre-screened by the US Commercial Services staff in Santiago.”
The Chile economy offers local companies significant trade opportunities due to its open market policies, zero tariffs, stable democratic government, solid business practices and low corruption.
“Latin America is a key component of our strategic goals for regional economic development, and Chile is a significant trade partner for our region,” said Craig J. Richard, President and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation. “After a successful mission to Chile in 2014, we look forward to returning and strengthening our ties with this important market.”
Chile was Florida’s third largest merchandise export in 2017, with Florida representing about 27 percent of Chile’s total U.S. imports. During the first five months of 2018, U.S. exports to Chile are up 13 percent over the same period last year.
“Chile is a fantastic market for Florida products and services and our Global Tampa Bay trade mission is an easy way for local companies to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Bill Cronin, President & CEO, Pasco Economic Development Council.
The multi-day mission follows on the heels of Global Tampa Bay’s trip to Mexico City, Mexico in April, which was the most successful mission to date, yielding approximately $35.3 million in projected future sales and economic activity for local companies.
The top sectors for exports from the United States include agricultural equipment and technology, automotive parts, construction equipment and products, environmental technologies, healthcare products and services, electrical and telecommunications equipment, and more.
The deadline for companies to apply is September 3. For more information, please visit Global Tampa Bay’s website.
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Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) offers customized assistance for export planning and can serve as a single point of contact for international business programs available at the federal, state and local levels. We provide assistance with trade mission planning, including Gold Key matchmaking events, international marketing plans, and international trade show grants. Contact Brent Barkway at bbarkway@pinellascounty.org or (727) 464-7411.
Global Tampa Bay is a cooperative effort between Pinellas County Economic Development, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and the Pasco Economic Development Council, established to help existing Tampa Bay companies to expand their sales in international markets and to assist foreign companies interested in establishing operations in the Tampa Bay region. Global Tampa Bay conducts joint export activities, such as seminars, trade events and trade missions, and supports the export-related growth initiatives of regional economic partners, including Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay.
